Hearing loss can be complete or partial, and can result from a number of different causes: ear blockage, disease, injury, degeneration of the hearing mechanism brought by loud noise or old age. In children deafness may be caused by ear infections.

Prevention

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noise. Always protect your ears with ear plugs when exposed to noisy machinery, music or gunfire.

Treatment - Practical Advice

If you are having unusual hearing problems, check with your doctor that you do not have a buildup of excess ear wax: this causes temporary deafness but is easily treated.

Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is often used in China to treat deafness, particularly when it occurs following an infection. Herbs may be prescribed to clear the infection, such as peppermint, thorowax root, plantain seed, and chrysanthemum flowers. In the elderly, a kidney tonic may be prescribed.

Professional Help

Cranial osteopathy can be effective in treating deafness which occurs after a head injury.

Orthodox

Deafness caused by infection is treated by an operation to drain the middle ear. Wax is successfully removed by syringing. Hearing aids are recommended for those with permanent deafness.