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Hearing loss can occur suddenly as well as over time. The severity and magnitude of deafness depends on how it is caused. The human ear consists of three parts; inner ear, middle ear and outer ear. Impairment of any of these three parts can lead to hearing loss.

The most common medical explanation for hearing loss is congenital anomaly and indeed it is the main reason behind it. What happens is that the ear’s improper formation does not allow sound waves to be directed into the ear. A normal ear is able to properly collect sound waves, but an impaired ear fails to do so. This is the main reason for hearing loss and is termed as congenital anomaly (also known as birth defect hearing impairment). Surgery is one way to treat congenital anomaly and it is advised that children with this genuine defect should go through this treatment during the first of year their birth. No one can deny the significance of “sense of hearing”, it is necessary to understand and learn language(s), be able to talk and of course for the overall mental and physical development. Children, if treated during the first year can easily be groomed to build up communication skills.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be classified into two main types:

·       Conductive Hearing Loss

·       Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss results due to improper conduction of sound waves. Waves of sound are unable to reach the inner ear and as a result the receiver is unable to hear them. The most common reasons behind this improper conduction of sound waves are infections on the outer ear and accumulation of excessive wax (Cerumen). The tympanic membrane suffers from pressure changes especially during high altitude flights; this can also cause conductive hearing loss. Blocking of the Eustachian tube in case of infections such as Otitis can lead to conductive hearing loss as well. Conductive hearing loss caused by temporary problems such wax accumulation can be easily treated. In case of other conditions, one can use gadgets such as hearing aids or can go through a surgery (if recommended) to treat the problem.

Sensorineural hearing loss will most likely result from an extremely infectious disease, but there are situations when it occurs from an unknown cause (Idiopathic). Another common cause of Sensorineural hearing loss is ageing. As people grow old, they start losing their sensitivity to listening. This type of hearing loss can be treated in similar fashion to conductive hearing loss.

Various more kinds of Hearing Loss

Apart from these two main types of hearing loss, there is hearing impairment which results from different frequencies. The best solution to this type of hearing impairment is the use of good hearing aids. People suffering from this type of hearing loss are usually unable to hear sounds of higher frequencies. It is a form of selective deafness, and can be taken care of with a digital hearing aid.

Hearing problems can also result from exposure of ears to loud and high volume sounds, which damage hair cells inside the ear. The best solution in such cases is to stay away from the root causes. Technically known as “Noise Induced Hearing loss”, can be harmful for your physical and mental health. You can save your ears from loud noise with the help of earplugs that protect your ears by lowering the intensity of sound. All those people who work in noisy environments or those who use ear phones a lot should always take these precautionary measures if they want to avoid hearing impairments.

The cochlear implant, your solution to Sensorineural hearing loss

The cochlear implant is a wonderful technology. It is world’s only medical technology that has made it possible for individuals to partially restore their sense of hearing. Specifically, this special implant is a device that has an external mini-computer called the “sound processor”. The function of the processor is to translate the surrounding sounds and convert them into signals that can then be sent to the human hearing nerve. After receiving the signals, the brain recognizes them as sound. The implant converts the information into signals which are carried by an electrode to the hearing nerve.

The combination of the sound processor and cochlear implant has successfully bypassed the damaged part of the auditory system and enhanced the hearing ability of people suffering from hearing loss. This has enabled sufferers of hearing loss to interact with the world the way they always wanted to.

Why Cochlear Implants?

Simply put, everyone wants to hear better and clearer, or they want to see their kids hear well. Much better than before! Family members and relatives want you to hear them better, too. They want you to be included in the conversations rather than being left out. Everyone wants to be able to enjoy music, listen to a phone call and hear the beautiful sounds of nature. People want greater opportunities for the future. They want liberty. They want to chill out and relax, and actively experience the world of sound around them. We all want to hear life.

Who Can get this Implant?

Typically, people with severe to profound hearing impairment or loss are unable to listen to a telephone call reliably. Anyone suffering from this problem faces real difficulty hearing in environments with loud noise even with hearing aids. Individuals, especially adults who are severely or profoundly hard of hearing also known as sensorineural hearing loss are eligible to get a cochlear implant. Children can get cochlear implant if they have hearing loss in both ears. Anyone who is 12 months of age or above with severe deafness can be an eligible candidate for this treatment.

In general, if there is someone with severe hearing loss, he/she can get this implant to start listening again. Remember, it is not you who decides whether you or  your kid needs a cochlear implant or not, you have to go to professional cochlear implant center in order to determine the need for this treatment.