17/07/2025
*CAUSE OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR DEAFNESS*
1.Genetic factors due to inherited gene during mutations.
2.Bacterial meningitis due todamage to the inner ear structures, specifically the cochlea and auditory nerve, or by causing inflammation and swelling that interferes with sound transmission.
3.Rubella due to damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, particularly the cochlea and stria vascularis, during fetal development.
4.Noise Exposure due to damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, specifically in the cochlea, leading to hearing loss.
4.Antimalarial drugs due to ototoxicity, which involves damage to the inner ear.
5Age-Related Hearing Loss: due to the gradual deterioration of the inner ear's structures, particularly the tiny hair cells within the cochlea. This damage prevents the efficient transmission of sound signals to the brain, leading to difficulty hearing, especially high-pitched sounds and speech in noisy environments.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
1. Damage to Hair Cells: The inner ear contains tiny hair cells in the cochlea that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals the brain can understand. Over time, these hair cells can be damaged or die due to age-related wear and tear. This damage reduces the number of signals sent to the brain, resulting in hearing loss.
2. Difficulty with High-Pitched Sounds: Age-related hearing loss often begins with a difficulty in hearing high-frequency sounds, such as those produced by birdsong, certain consonants, or the higher notes of musical instruments.
3. Problems in Noisy Environments: As the hearing loss progresses, individuals may find it increasingly challenging to understand speech in the presence of background noise, such as in a restaurant or at a party.
4. Gradual Onset: The hearing loss associated with presbycusis typically develops slowly over time, making it difficult for individuals to immediately recognize the change in their hearing ability.
5. Impact on Communication: The inability to hear high-frequency sounds and understand speech clearly can significantly affect communication, potentially leading to social isolation, depression, and difficulties with daily activities.
6. Other Factors: While age-related wear and tear is the primary cause, other factors can also contribute to presbycusis, including genetics, exposure to loud noise, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle choices like smoking.
7.Sports due to trauma to both earing canal
By NTS MUTALE FREDRICK CHILESHE MWINE
