Hearing Loss: Clinical Meaning

Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Ear infections occur when bacteria or viruses infect the middle ear, causing pain, fluid buildup, and temporary hearing loss. They are especially common in children but can affect adults as well.

Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is sudden, unilateral facial nerve paralysis causing drooping of one side of the face, inability to close the eye, and loss of taste. Most cases resolve within 3-6 months; corticosteroids started within 72 hours improve outcomes.

Paget's Disease of Bone

Paget's disease of bone is a chronic disorder causing excessive bone remodeling, resulting in enlarged, deformed, and structurally weakened bones. Commonly affected areas include the spine, pelvis, skull, and femur; bisphosphonates suppress disease activity.

Menière's Disease

Menière's disease is a chronic inner ear disorder causing episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. It results from abnormal fluid pressure in the inner ear; low-sodium diet, diuretics, and vestibular rehabilitation are treatments.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth, usually following viral infection, causing acute vertigo, nausea, and hearing loss. Most cases resolve within weeks; vestibular exercises accelerate recovery.

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Presbycusis is progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss due to aging, affecting high-frequency sounds first. It affects over 60% of adults over 70 and significantly impacts communication and quality of life; hearing aids are the mainstay of management.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth, typically following a viral infection. It causes sudden severe vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, significantly impacting daily functioning.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears without an external source. It affects 15-20% of people and can significantly impact sleep, concentration, and quality of life.

Chronic Vertigo

Chronic vertigo encompasses multiple conditions causing persistent or recurrent episodes of dizziness and spinning sensation. Common causes include BPPV, Meniere's disease, vestibular migraine, and labyrinthitis.