Since highschool my wife has been slowly loosing her hearing. A doctor in Austin said that she has nerve deafness. Im not really sure if there is more than one type of nerve deafness.
I have been told that her hearing will continue to deteriate.
I was wonduring if you could answer a few quertions.
1. Are there any procedures avaliable to stop or reverse her hearing loss?
2. Someone told me that Ackupuncture may help her. Is this true?
I know that you may not have enough information to go on, but almost any response would be appreciated. I would really like to help her in any way I can.
Thankyou for your time and effort.
Reply ------------------
There are 3 basic forms of hearing loss:
1) conductive - hearing loss caused by a disturbance in the conduction of
sound waves through the various structures of the ear. Examples include
obstructive ear wax, a hole in the ear drum, a disruption in the chain of
small ear bones that conducts sound from the ear drum to the inner ear, etc.
2) neurosensory - a hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerve fibers leading from the inner ear to the brain. Perhaps the most common form of this is related to normal aging (presbycusis) where one loses some hearing in the high frequencies. Another relatively common form is related to chronic noise exposure, such as that associated with factories, power machinery, etc. Less common forms include those caused by infection, medication, or hereditary forms.
3) mixed - a combined form of 1 and 2.
Progressive neurosensory hearing loss usually implies hearing loss that worsens at a pace exceeding that typically seen with the aging process. Hearing loss of aging (presbycusis) can progress at varying rates in different individuals but is estimated to average 1-2 decibels per year. Significantly more rapid deterioration of neurosensory hearing levels can be associated with loud noise exposure, certain powerful medications, certain uncommon medical conditions such as metabolic conditions or autoimmune disorders, or hereditary forms of hearing loss.
In regards to neurosensory hearing loss, there are few ways of slowing the progression of hearing loss and it is entirely dependent upon the cause of the hearing loss. For example, hearing loss that is predominantly caused by chronic exposure to noise (40 hrs week above 85 decibels) can be prevented most effectively by appropriate hearing protective devices such as specially designed ear plugs or muffs. Hearing loss due to medication is uncommon, but can be stopped or even in some cases reversed by stopping the medication. Some examples of medications that can cause reversible hearing loss include certain potent intravenous antibiotics or diuretics. Another uncommon cause of neurosensory hearing loss that tends to be progressive but can be occasionally reversed or slowed, is known as autoimmune hearing loss. This form of loss is theoretically caused by an overactive immune system causing injury to normal cells. The condition can occasionally be reversed or stopped by steroid medication. Systemic metabolic conditions such as lipid disorders, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, etc can be associated with nerve hearing loss. It is unlikely that this form of nerve hearing loss can be reversed once it occurs, but intervention directed at the underlying condition may help to slow it down. There are presently no means of reversing or slowing the hereditary forms of hearing loss.
I am not aware of any scientific evidence that demonstrates a value of acupuncture in the treatment of neurosensory hearing loss, although there are demonstrated benefits in other conditions, most notably certain chronic pain conditions.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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