Hearing for a Better Living

The hearing system is an extraordinary set of structures that are symmetrically logged in each side of our head and capable of capturing millions of sounds fundamental to human life and to the development of our species.

To cherish, take care and protect it is a obligation of each human being.

HOW DO WE HEAR?

Until the moment when an exterior sound is recognized by our brain, sound waves travel a complex path across the different divisions of our ears – external, middle and inner ear – being turned into electrical signs that go through auditory nerves right until the brain region that processes this information – the auditory cortex.

The integrity of this entire path – external auditory canal, eardrum and ossicles, cochlea, auditory pathways and brain – is fundamental for an appropriate hearing condition.

CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS

Deafness is caused by several factors, some quite simple and of easy solution, others more complex and requiring different types of solutions.

• Accumulation of earwax

• Foreign bodies in the ear canal – cotton, silicone pieces, etc.

• Abnormal bone growth within the ear canal (associated with the frequent practice of surf, swimming and diving)

• Bacterial and viral infections such as external otitis (frequent in bathing season) and otitis media (frequent in childhood following respiratory infections)

• Ear trauma – tympanic rupture, temporal bone fracture

• Meningitis, viral and auto-immune diseases

• Certain type of medication (drugs used for the treatment of malaria, tuberculosis, salicylates, amongst others)

• Heredity and genetic and congenital abnormalities may lead to malformations and progressive diseases of the hearing aid

• Repeated occupational or recreational noise may cause irreversible deafness

• Aging. The normal process of aging causes gradual changes in the delicate cell structures of the inner ear.
  

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTONS OF HEARING LOSS?

• Difficulty in hearing clearly sounds and words. Muffled hearing

• Difficulty in understanding words, at first in noisy environments and later in simple dialogues

• Frequently requesting others to repeat words in a slower and louder way

• Isolation and refusal to maintain social contacts, hiding deafness

• In children, speech delay and underachievement in school

HOW IS DEAFNESS DIAGNOSED?

When there is a suspicion of deafness, an otolaryngologist should be visited. This Medical Doctor is specialized in ear, nose and throat diseases. The first appointment will be for a detailed clinical history of the patient and a complete physical exam, with special attention to the ears.

To obtain a complete diagnosis, several complementary exams may be prescribed: Audiometry and Impedanciometry, Ear CT Scan and lab studies.

DOES DEAFNESS HAVE A CURE?

Most of deafness causes can be treated in a simple way and normal hearing is re-established.

However, there are some causes such as congenital deafness or different types of progressive deafness that lead to an irreversible hearing loss. Nevertheless, treatment and correction of hearing levels with the help of modern medical electronic devices, along with control of underlying diseases, may effectively improve life quality for these patients.

HOW ARE AUDITORY SCREENINGS USEFUL?

Auditory screenings are exams easily performed that allow detection of deafness and its level.

These exams enable the physician to diagnose the cause of deafness. The patient should always be observed by an otolaryngologist for appropriate diagnose and correction of each case.

WHAT CAN YOU FIND AT JOAQUIM CHAVES SAÚDE CLINIC?

At Joaquim Chaves Saúde Clinic we have a competent team specialized in deafness – Otolaryngologists, Audiologists, Therapists – available to diagnose, treat and guide most conditions of deafness.