Millions of people around the world suffer from some kind of hypoacusis, or difficulty hearing clearly. It is not simply a lack of hearing acuity; the term is used when the loss is obvious to the sufferer. Here are some more facts about the causes and treatments of hearing loss. We should not confuse it with hyperacusis, which we have already told you about.

Why does hypoacusis occur?

Hearing loss is a disorder that can be due to multiple factors. The ear is divided into three parts, if any is affected there is partial or total loss of ability to hear. These are the divisions:

  • External ear. It is formed by the auditory pavilion and the canal that starts in it and goes up to the eardrum. This is in charge of collecting and conducting the sound waves that give shape to the sounds.
  • Middle ear. It begins in the membrane of the eardrum and continues through the space in which the bones that vibrate with the waves and transmit impulses - hammer, anvil and stirrup - to the next section.
  • Inner ear. It contains the vestibular system and the cochlea. The latter contains fluid and receptor cells that connect with the brain and send the interpretation of sounds.

If any of these parts is affected in any way, it affects hearing. The area of the inner ear is especially important, as the cells of the cochlea do not regenerate. As they die, hearing is irreversibly lost.

Causes and treatments of hypoacusis

There are many causes of hearing loss. Some are reversible but others have no solution and require external means to alleviate their effects. These are some common cases:

  • Hereditary factors
  • Acoustic trauma
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Trauma to the middle or inner ear
  • Obstruction by mass or object
  • Inflammation obstruction
  • Infection
  • Older age

Some cases are solved with the administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, always under medical prescription. Others, such as acoustic trauma, require rest. If the damage is irreversible, other options should be studied, including the purchase of hearing aids.

At Claso we have many different models of hearing aids to solve some cases of hearing loss. Visit one of our stores or see the models we have available in our online store.