Assignment task: Respond to the following posts.
Jasmine Matos
NEW
Conductive vs. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Conductive hearing loss is a condition where sound waves cannot be pass through the inner ear because there is an impediment in the outer and or middle ear. Some of the familiar reasons include inflammation of the ears, presence of a buildup of fluids behind the eardrum, impacted earwax, existence of a hole in the eardrum, or any congenital abnormity that is within the ears (Payne et al ., 2022). CHL impacts mostly on the external or middle ear and produces sounds that are eitherBuzzing or ringing and sometimes it is possible to treat it through medical or surgical procedures.
Unlike SNHL, conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with outer or middle ear or the ear canal; SNHL occurs when there is a problem with the inner ear, also known as the cochlea, or the nerves that connect the ears to the brain (Laren et al ., 2021). This kind of hearing loss is usually irreversible and may be due to presbycusis, exposure to loud noise, head injury, infections, some drugs, and heredity. Sensorineural hearing loss mainly deal with the quality of sounds, where even though they are loud enough one may not be able to understand what is being said.
Evaluating Preventable and Non-Preventable Antecedents of Hearing Loss. To identify risk factors for hearing loss, the following questions can be asked during a patient assessment: Medical History: Have you ever had ear infections, surgeries on your ears? Have you ever been sick by any diseases that include meningitis, mumps, or measles? Are you a present user of any medicines that are known to harm the ears (For instance aminoglycosides, diuretics)? (Tuset et al , 2024) Exposure: Do you have to occur to noisy sounds at your workplace or during sports and entertainment events? Are you a regular user of earphones or headphones that involves listening to loud music?
Lifestyle and Habits: Does one wear earmuffs/earplugs while operating in noisy areas? Has there been any whimpering sound in your ears (tinnitus) or finding it hard to understand what people are saying when there is background noise? Family History: Has one been having issues with his or her ears or knows of anyone in the family with similar issues with their ears? Symptoms: Have you ever been troubled with dizziness, or balance disorder or vertigo? Have you observed that the type or pitch of the sounds you are able to hear has changed recently?
When done it would help the healthcare providers, to perhaps find out some of the risk factors or perhaps antecedents of hearing loss, which would allow them to refer the client to the appropriate course of action.
Claudia Avila
NEW
Conductive vs. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when a problem in the outer or middle ear prevents sound from being properly conducted to the inner ear (Zahnert, 2021). It can be caused by ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, earwax buildup, a perforated eardrum, or abnormalities in the ear's structure. Individuals with conductive hearing loss typically experience a reduced sound level or the ability to hear faint sounds (Eric Lupo et al., 2021). Still, their speech understanding of noise remains relatively intact when the volume is sufficient.
On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. This hearing loss is often permanent and can be caused by aging, exposure to loud noise, head trauma, genetic factors, or diseases affecting inner ear structures (Capra et al., 2023). People with sensorineural hearing loss usually have difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, and may experience a decrease in sound clarity (Kurabi et al., 2022). Unlike conductive hearing loss, increasing the volume does not constantly improve the clarity of the sound for those with sensorineural hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Risk Factors:
I would ask, "Have you been exposed to loud noises at work or during recreational activities?" This question helps identify potential noise-induced hearing loss, a common cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Another critical question is, "Do you have a history of ear infections or ear surgery?" This can help determine if there are any conductive hearing loss issues related to middle ear problems. Additionally, I would ask, "Do you have a family history of hearing loss?" as genetic factors can play a significant role in both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
It is also essential to inquire, "Have you experienced any sudden changes in your hearing?" Sudden hearing loss can indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Asking about medication use, such as "Are you currently taking any medications known to affect hearing?" can reveal ototoxicity risks, as some medications can damage the inner ear (PrieurChaintré, et al., 2024). These questions are essential because they help build a comprehensive picture of the patient's hearing health, identify potential causes of hearing loss, and guide further diagnostic testing and treatment plans.