Cape & Island Hearing Cente 56 Main Street, Orleans, MA 02653, (508) 247-0060

A Deeper Problem

Sometimes hearing loss isn’t just hearing loss. Sometimes

it’s a symptom of something more serious. Having your

hearing loss checked out is critical because if it is a symptom of something more serious you could stop it in

time. Or, at the very least, you could slow the progression

of an illness or disease.

One of the more serious health problems that affect a person’s hearing is multiple sclerosis, a gradual and

debilitating disease that starts in the brain but affects the body’s neurological functions, including hearing. If your

balance suddenly seems off, you might want to have this checked. Several

other neurological disorders can also affect your hearing, as being able to hear relies heavily on the nerves that travel to the ear from the brain.

Less than common illnesses like high and unexplained fevers or meningitis

can also cause hearing loss. Some children have been known to go

completely deaf because they were struck with meningitis when they were toddlers but evidence shows they could clearly hear before the illness. Never take any unusual health problems lightly and always see a doctor if you’re in

a high risk group. As the old saying goes, “A pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure”, and that is quite true regarding the health of your ears.

Loud noises for extended periods of time, significant head injuries such as concussions, and even dental issues can cause changes or losses in hearing.

Your dentist as well as your family doctor and audiologist can help diagnose

these issues. For these reasons it is very important to have your hearing checked regularly. Also as a person ages, some hearing loss is normal, so

making sure to weed out what is normal and what isn’t is a very good idea.