Drawing attention to hearing loss and the factors that cause hearing loss within the scope of 3 March World Ear and Hearing Day, Professor of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Dr. Fadlullah Aksoy said, “Due to the side effects of some drugs, especially antibiotics, on the inner ear, temporary or permanent hearing loss may occur.”
Bezmialem Vakif University Vice Rector and Ear Nose and Throat Department Lecturer Prof. Dr. Fadlullah Aksoy said that hearing loss can be congenital or it can develop later, and underlined the factors that cause hearing loss:
“Some infections such as Measles, Rubella, Syphilis, Herpes, Toxoplasma and CMV in the womb cause permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can also develop in the case of Kernicterius, which is known as prematurity, perinatal asphyxia, jaundice among the people and progresses with high bilirubin. In addition, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections are seen in childhood, especially after starting nursery and kindergarten. Upper respiratory tract infections can cause middle ear infections. Temporary or permanent hearing loss may occur due to the side effects of some drugs, especially antibiotics, on the inner ear. For this reason, it is extremely important to use the drugs in the appropriate dose and time.
prof. Dr. Fadlullah Aksoy continued his words as follows:
“Untreated middle ear infections become chronic over time, creating a hole in the eardrum and also dissolving the ossicular chain in the middle ear and disrupting its integrity, resulting in hearing loss. Exposure to explosion sound and working in a noisy environment for a long time are also among the factors that cause hearing loss. Apart from these, otosclerosis (ear calcification), ear traumas, ear and brain tumors, some hematological diseases, metabolic and many systemic diseases can cause hearing loss. Finally, presbycusis, which we can define as the physiological aging of the ear, also results in hearing loss.”
Hearing Loss in Children Prevents Speech
prof. Dr. Fadlullah Aksoy said, “It is extremely important to diagnose hearing loss early. Diagnosis of congenital hearing loss, especially in the newborn period, has become a legal obligation in our country. Thus, it is possible to diagnose newborn babies while they are still in the hospital. In order to develop speaking ability in childhood, first of all, the hearing function must be healthy. In other words, if deaf children are not treated and left to their own devices, it is inevitable that they will become deaf and dumb. However, even in the case of congenital deafness, with early diagnosis and treatment, an indistinguishable hearing and therefore speaking ability can be achieved.”
“Hearing Loss Can Be Seen in All Age Groups”
Drawing attention to the signals of hearing loss in infants and children, Prof. Dr. Fadlullah Aksoy said, “Parents should be vigilant as babies and children cannot express their complaints. It should be suspected in cases of fever, restlessness, constant crying, change in behavior, diarrhea and touching one’s ear to one’s ear and should be examined by the nearest physician. Recurrent middle ear infections, especially in school-age children, cause fluid accumulation in the middle ear and may result in hearing loss. Since children with hearing loss cannot hear their teacher, their school success decreases. In cases where it is not treated for a long time, it can also lead to disorders such as introversion, since it can disrupt the child’s social communication.
“In middle ear infections that develop in adults; It causes complaints such as ear pain, feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, fever.”
prof. Dr. Fadlullah Aksoy said, “As a result, hearing loss is an important health problem that can be seen in all age groups. It is extremely important to determine the causes of hearing loss and to make the diagnosis in the early period. There are many medical and surgical options in the treatment of the disease. In the treatment planning stage, many factors should be taken into consideration, especially the type of hearing loss, the developmental period, the age and social status of the person. Diagnosing congenital hearing loss in the newborn period and initiating early treatment prevent irreversible consequences from occurring,” he concluded.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
