&nb=
sp; Hearing impairment occurs when there is an obstruction, disease =
or injury to one or more parts of the external ear, the middle ear or the i=
nner ear. You can protect you=
r hearing if you are aware of what can do damage to these parts.
&=
nbsp; Exposure to loud noises for extended periods=
of time may eventually cause a permanent hearing loss. To prevent this problem, wear ear plugs or other=
hearing protectors in loud environments.
&=
nbsp; Allergies, sin=
us problems, colds and throat infections can lead to middle ear problems. The eustachian tube, found in =
the middle ear, drains any excess fluid.&n=
bsp; However, if the eustachian tube becomes blocked with fluid, the=
result can yeild extreme pai=
n and drainage from the ear. =
If untreated, the small bones in the middle ear can become damaged and a he=
aring impairment may result. =
Many individuals have lost their hearing due to excessive buildup of fluid.=
&=
nbsp; Injuries to the ear drum will cause hearing =
loss. Because the ear drum is=
a delicate membrane, it can easily rupture if objects are placed in the ea=
r. Ask your doctor about safe=
ways to remove excess wax from ears. =
; Head injuries from accidents may also result in hearing impairment=
s.
&=
nbsp; Diseases such as measles, mumps, scarlet fev=
er, whooping cough or any high fever can leave permanent hearing impairment=
. Reactions to medicines used=
to treat diseases and viruses can also cause hearing impairments.
&=
nbsp; It is natural to experience some hearing los=
s as you age. About 10% of pe=
ople over the age of 65 have hearing problems significant enough to interfe=
re with conversation.
|
![3DHearing](3D"hearing1_files/image002.gif")
![](3D"hearing1_files/image003.gif")
=