Deafness

What is Deafness?

Deafness, also known as hearing loss, is a condition where a person has partial or complete inability to hear sounds. It can be temporary or permanent and may affect one or both ears.

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Types of Deafness:

1️⃣ Conductive Hearing Loss – Sound cannot pass through the outer or middle ear. Causes include earwax buildup, infections, or fluid in the ear.
2️⃣ Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) – Damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve, often permanent.
3️⃣ Mixed Hearing Loss – Combination of conductive + sensorineural hearing loss.
4️⃣ Central Hearing Loss – Caused by problems in the brain’s auditory processing center.

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Causes of Deafness:

🦠 Infections (Ear Infections, Meningitis, Measles, Mumps, COVID-19, etc.)
🦴 Earwax Buildup or Eardrum Damage
📢 Exposure to Loud Noise (Music, Machinery, Explosions)
🧬 Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects
👶 Premature Birth or Complications During Pregnancy
🏥 Head Injury or Trauma
💊 Ototoxic Medications (Certain Antibiotics, Chemotherapy Drugs, Aspirin in High Doses)
👴 Aging (Presbycusis – Age-Related Hearing Loss)

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Symptoms of Deafness:

🔇 Difficulty Hearing Conversations
📺 Increasing TV or Phone Volume Excessively
📞 Trouble Understanding Phone Calls
👂 Asking People to Repeat Themselves Frequently
🚪 Not Responding to Sounds or Doorbells
🎵 Muffled or Distorted Sounds
🎤 Speaking Louder Than Usual
🔄 Dizziness or Balance Issues (Inner Ear Problem)