1. Hearing Disorders
There are a number of hearing
disorders and related conditions
that can affect your balance and
hearing, as well as your ability to
process sounds into
comprehendible information.
Among this disorders are:
auditory neuropathy, central
auditory processing disorder, all
categories of hearing loss, middle
ear infections, Meniere’s disease,
otosclerosis, presbycusis, tinnitus, and tumors of the 8th cranial nerve
(vestibular schwannomas and neurofibromatosis).
Auditory Neuropathy (AN)
Auditory neuropathy is a type of hearing loss that occurs due to poor
transmission of sounds to the auditory nerve and brain. While the outer hair
cells of the cochlea are intact and undamaged, sound transmission is still
unreliable. The inclusion of neuropathy in the title suggests a disease of the
peripheral auditory nerve, but there may not be any direct auditory nerve
dysfunction with auditory neuropathy. This may be a disorder of the inner
hair cells in the cochlea, the nerve synapse at the auditory nerve, or due to
an auditory nerve lesion. Treatment may include hearing aids or cochlear
implants, but success is not guaranteed.
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
CAPDs are disorders of the processing of auditory information. Poor
processing is noted by issues in one or all of the following categories: sound
localization and lateralization, discrimination, pattern recognition,
integration, ordering, and grouping of sounds. Actual hearing loss may not
necessarily be present. Treatment typically included therapy that focuses on
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2. listening, comprehension, memory, and the like, that is customized to each
patient’s needs.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is an impairment of the ability to hear. There are three main
types: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Conductive hearing loss implies
damage or dysfunction in the outer or middle ear. This affects the loudness
of sound. Sensorineural hearing loss implies damage or dysfunction of the
inner ear. This affects the clarity of sound. Mixed hearing loss involves a
combination of the two. Treatment may include both medical management
and hearing aids.
Middle ear infections
Middle ear infections are infections of the middle ear space behind the ear
drum where the small bones of the ear are located. This type of infection can
cause both temporary and permanent conductive hearing loss. Treatment is
medical management with antibiotics or surgical intervention with placement
of pressure equalization tubes.
Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that can affect both hearing and
balance. Patients may experience vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating,
progressive hearing impairment. Treatment may include therapy for coping
strategies, surgical intervention for severe cases, and physiotherapies.
Hearing aids may also be fit for those with hearing loss. A competent
audiologist with experience fitting patients with Meniere’s disease should be
consulted. Due to its fluctuant, progressive nature, fittings are highly
specialized for these patients.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a disorder that causes abnormal bone growth in the middle
ear, preventing proper middle ear function. Hearing loss may be conductive,
sensorineural, or mixed in nature. If the effects of the otosclerosis are
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Blog: www.Hearing-Aids-Cerritos-CA.com

3. severe, prosthetic surgical intervention may be appropriate. However, more
mild issues will typically be treated with a hearing aid alone.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is hearing loss due to the natural process of aging. Hearing aids
and assistive listening devices are the most common treatments. Some
patients may also require auditory training therapy to help in their daily
communication.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear that others cannot typically
hear. Usually described as ringing, buzzing, popping, pulsating, or squealing,
tinnitus can range from mild to severely impairing. Treatment may include
intense therapy and sound programs.
Tumors of the 8th cranial nerve
Various types of noncancerous or cancerous tumors may grow on the
vestibular and/or auditory portions of the 8th cranial nerve. Hearing and
balance may be affected. Patients with tumors often also experience tinnitus
issues. Hearing loss may be progressive or sudden. Surgery is often required
for these issues.
Call today!
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms noted here or are having any
other hearing or balance related issues, seek help immediately. Help is just
around the corner. Contact your audiologist today for an evaluation for any
of these hearing disorders.
Call Us Today (562) 732 4713
Website: www.FidelityHearingCenter.com
Blog: www.Hearing-Aids-Cerritos-CA.com