People affected by hearing loss and deafness

Hearing loss is general and can affect people of any age. It is thought that half the general population above the age of 75 has some hearing loss. Children are the next most general group to be affected, generally due to fluid or infection in the middle ear but also due to congenital problems or viral illness during early childhood. Hearing loss can interfere with usual communication with others on a daily basis.

How your ear works

We are capable to hear because sounds enter the ear canal and pass along it to the eardrum. The sounds reason vibrations first of the eardrum and then of the little bones, called ossicles, which bridge the gap between the drum and the cochlea.

Types of deafness

The reason of deafness can be broadly grouped according to where in the ear they happen. A problem of transmission of sound waves through the ear canal and middle ear is referred to as a conductive hearing loss.

• Conductive hearing loss

A conductive hearing loss happen when there is a failure of the conversion of sound waves into movements by the eardrum and the little bones of the middle ear. This can happen either because the sound waves are not reaching the eardrum, for example because of wax blocking the ear canal, or because the vibrating mechanisms of the eardrum or ossicles are not working properly, for example because of current or earlier infections.

• Sensorineural hearing loss

A sensorineural hearing loss is due to a problem of the inner ear or of the nerve that carries the signal from the inner ear to the hearing centers in the brain. Again there are many causes, the most general being that of hearing loss in old age (presbyacusis), which generally affects both ears to a like degree and can be associated with noises in the ear (tinnitus). Tremendously rarely, but more seriously, the hearing loss may be due to a growth, otherwise known as a tumor, on the hearing nerve in the brain.

The main complexity with sensorineural hearing loss is an incapability to hear adequately in conversations, especially when there is background noise. Many people complain that they can hear the sounds of a conversation, but cannot discriminate accurately what is being said. It can lead to immense frustration and feelings of isolation.

When to seek advice

You should always see your doctor immediately if you have a sudden hearing loss, as sometimes treatment for sudden deafness should be started within 48 hours of its onset. If you notice a hearing loss only in one ear, you should see your doctor, who will probably refer you on to an ENT specialist or an audio logical physician.

If you notice a gradual deterioration of your hearing you should seek recommendation from your doctor who will advise you of the appropriate action to be taken, and will be able to organize a hearing test and specialist referral if essential.

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Otoplasty Surgery

Deciding to get Otoplasty for Your Child

This is a general sentiment we hear when discussing the ways children relate with each other. However, when a child is bullied it can have implications for a very long time, especially when children have a physical characteristic that makes them a simple target for bullies.

Children with large or misshapen ears are at an enlarged risk of being bullied while children, and therefore may run a risk of emotional issues later in life. This may be one of the cause why ear surgery, known in the medical community as otoplasty, is one of the more general cosmetic surgeries performed on children.

Children Respond Best to Otoplasty

Another compelling cause to consider otoplasty for your child is that children tend to heal and recover faster than adults. Therefore, not only can you stop the bullying, but you can set your child up for a better recovery period than if they decide to get the surgery later in life. Surgeons report that the best ages to get otoplasty are between 5 to 10 years old. Since your child will still experience growth during these years. In turn, this growth will help to blend the surgery in with the child’s budding physical characteristics.

Additional Benefits of Otoplasty

Many cosmetic surgeries are very invasive, yet otoplasty is not one of them. During the process children are typically put under general anesthesia by an anesthetist, and then the surgeon will begin their work. This will contain a small incision on the back of the ear that will expose the cartilage. Your surgeon will then expertly sculpt the cartilage in order to give the child the desired aesthetic effect.

Additionally, if the ears are protruding, a couple of stitches can be used within the ear in order to draw the ear back toward the head and allow it to grow in a more natural situation. Once all of this is completed, the surgeon stitches up the small incision and bandages the child so they can recover peacefully.

Otoplasty is a safe and quick process that is most efficient on children. Not only will the child experience less bullying, but also they will have a better recovery and be capable to enjoy their beautiful ears for the rest of their life.

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