• Published on: Sep 08, 2021
  • 6 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Causes Hearing Loss And How Can It Be Prevented And Treated?

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What causes hearing loss and how can it be prevented and treated?

Hearing loss is an umbrella term for experiences of increasing difficulty in perceiving sound. Difficulties with hearing may be the result of heredity, aging, or exposure to loud noise. Preventing it can involve anything from wearing protective ear-wear such as earplugs and/or tight-fitting earmuffs; to limiting exposure to loud environments; avoiding smoking; and avoiding excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine drinks.

One of the most common causes for hearing loss is loud noise. Loud noises, such as noises caused by heavy machinery, can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss with prolonged exposure. Ear protection, like earmuffs and ear plugs, are also necessary in noisy environments to stave off hearing impairment.

Hearing loss can occur gradually due to the cumulative effects of years spent in a noisy environment with no adequate auditory protection. Hearing-loss prevention tips include wearing earplugs while operating noisy equipment or attending concerts; limiting situations where airborne noise levels exceed 85 decibels (dB) on an average basis for eight hours per day; inserting foam sound couplers on headphones at louder than 60 dB levels; visiting an audiologist if one feels the loss in hearing.

Place objects in front of the ear when talking on a cell phone. Take time out of day for fresh air away from noise pollution (example - busy street). Avoid exposure to loud sounds like rock concerts and machinery for long periods of time. Move away from major sources of sound like airports, trains, etc. Use earplugs or purchase ones that can be custom-made under supervision by an audiologist if suffering more than mild annoyance after exposure to moderately loud noise.

Hearing loss is caused by aging, illnesses, or injuries that can damage the structures of the ear.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, minimizing exposure to loud noises and following treatment recommendations may reduce your risk for hearing loss. You should consult with your health care provider or hearing specialists if you experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness or balance issues.

Hearing specialists like audiologists use devices like hearing aids to make sounds louder and clearer for those who are not able to hear well. They also provide helpful information on maintaining good listening habits for optimal hearing development during early childhood. Consultation with your family physician is important if you have external ear infection symptoms such as drainage and itching.

Certain medications can make hearing worse. Examples include some antibiotics, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and certain over-the-counter cold remedies. Cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss are often related to viral or bacterial infections that affect the lining of the ear canal or eardrum. The most common viruses linked with this are varicella zoster virus (virus that causes chicken pox), influenza A virus, group A streptococci bacteria (causes strep throat) and coxsackievirus A16. The middle ear must have air pressure greater than outer pressure for sounds to be heard without pain or discomfort.

The incidence of hearing loss increases with age, so one solid option for prevention would be abstaining from smoking. Smoking causes the narrowing of arteries to the ears, decreases blood flow to the ossicles, and damages hair cells in the cochlea - all issues contributing to hearing loss. But good "ears" are not just something you were simply born with; consistent use of ear protection while engaged in loud activities (think concerts or lawnmowing) can minimize the damage that might occur over time otherwise. And since it's never too late to start wearing earplugs, there's no need for excuses!

It is not known what the exact cause of hearing loss is, but many experts agree that a major risk factor for hearing loss is old age. Other potential causes may be genetics, medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, chronic ear infections from childhood, extreme noise from sports or music playing loud without protection.

The leading cause of hearing loss is things like loud noise or damage to the ear. However, recent studies have shown there are other factors that should be considered in healthy adults over the age of 40, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Diseases like hypertension can lead to hearing loss by means of two mechanisms: 1) vascular changes (caused by the pathologic processes that occur in tissues when they receive inadequate oxygenation) 2), increases in blood flow to an area (which increases temperature and pressure). If you're worried about your hearing – talk with a physician – it is never too late!

There are many things that can cause hearing loss and many ways to prevent it.  Some of the most common causes of hearing loss include exposure sound levels above 85 dB, untreated ear infections, tonsillitis or adenoids in kids, perforated eardrums from flying or diving underwater with a mask on (seal), and staying next to big speakers like those at concerts without protection like foam earplugs. Large age-related changes in the inner ear that interfere with how we sense balance and hear sounds may play a role too. One study found that people with normal hearing but who were older than 75 still had problems sensing changes in pitch and intensity level when they walked around their homes after being blindfolded.

Deafness is usually caused by either injury to the hearing nerve or by an "inner ear disorder."

Inner ear disorders are often caused when people use cotton buds, metal objects, even toothpicks, too aggressively for cleaning inside their ears. The problem is that all these instruments cause damage to delicate structures before they clean them.  A better option would be a device that incorporates a nozzle with a soft-tip applicator and gently sweeps out the wax from the ear canal with minimal pressure on fragile structures.  It is not uncommon for people to experience age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) as they continue to grow older, but it can also occur during the perinatal period. Hearing loss may be due to genetic factors or occurrences that cause tinnitus or significant trauma to the head.

There are many things people can do at home, such as avoiding loud noises and getting familiar with their speech patterns so they'll know when it's time for a visit with their audiologist so they can be fitted with correctly-sized hearing aids.

A hearing loss can be treated, in some cases. Treatments for hearing loss usually involve amplification (hearing aids) or surgery (cochlear implants). Some treatments are temporary, like wax removal or injection of medicine into the ear canal, while others are permanent. If you're not satisfied with the results of your treatment plan, you may want to consult with another healthcare provider who specializes in treating hearing impairments.

It is treatable when it's not too advanced, but when hearing loss advances to the point of no return, there are still ways to improve the lives of those who are affected.

Hearing aids can make a dramatic difference in the quality of life for people with hearing loss.

Noise-canceling headphones can help diminish background noise in public spaces and reduce stress in loud environments like restaurants or airplanes - whether you have 20/20 hearing or not! Listening device for her makes a world a difference! These devices communicate important information that would otherwise go unheard due to noise or distance from speakers. So grab your listening device for her and find out how it could

Medical treatments for hearing loss include things like Ginkgo Biloba. There are surgical procedures that also help people to hear better. In addition, there are other drugs that may be prescribed as well as different devices designed to improve the usability of the iPhone or other electronic devices for those whose hearing has been reduced from birth or from an accident.

Hearing loss can be treated when it is sufficient to make speech inaudible. Individuals with moderate hearing loss generally have difficulty filtering out noise, understanding speech in noisy environments, and following difficult conversations. Fortunately, there are various treatments available if the hearing loss is substantial enough to warrant their use.

Treatments for modern-day significant or profound deafness include cochlear implants, external microphones paired with amplifiers, sound field systems (such as Combi 6), bone anchored devices, special receivers for radio telephones and navigational headphones

Hearing loss is often treated through noise protection, rehabilitative training, medication or surgery. Noise protection reduces the intensity of high-frequency sounds reaching your ear by decreasing the environmental sound pressure level (SPL) on your ear drum. Rehabilitative training teaches you how to "hear" vibrations in different regions of your body, like your tooth bones or hand muscles, to make up for some of the functions that are impaired by hearing loss. Medication includes medications like local anesthetics and steroid injections while surgery can be done to insert devices like cochlear implants (which help transmit sounds from the environment to the brain).

Unfortunately, hearing loss is one of those medical conditions that can take many forms and cannot be treated the same way for every person (since people can lose their hearing due to different causes). But for some types of hearing loss, the cause is benign enough, or your condition isn't too severe, that it can be treated with surgery. This will unfortunately not help in cases where an individual's nerve cells are completely severed (sensory hair cell damage), since this type of damage does not typically regenerate on its own.

It's important to consult with an appropriate medical provider for advice on overcoming hearing loss or any other issue that may cause difficulties in communication. Some treatable causes of intermittent loss include allergies follicle infections (acute otitis media), and easy-to-treat skin conditions like eczema (and its subtypes atopic dermatitis). If the disease is chronic or it's repeatedly impacting one ear, then diabetes or hypothyroidism are also possible culprits.

Yes, hearing loss can be treated with the use of both medical and non-medical treatments. One common treatment for moderate to severe hearing loss is hearing aids. A new example of an advanced medical treatment specifically designed to treat deafness caused by myelin lipoproteinosis (ML) is called vorinostat or Zolinza. This drug was designed specifically to work in combination with steroids which are usually used in children who develop myelin-related deafness at one year of age or younger.

Hearing aids, less noisy surroundings, better sleep patterns, and sound stimulation therapy can all help with hearing loss. Hearing aids are expensive but worth the investment if you really wish to improve your quality of life by living in a louder world. If you suffer from hearing loss, it is crucial that you speak with your healthcare provider about whether or not there are available options for treatment. Your provider may recommend lifestyle changes to stabilize the issue or provide advice on how to cope with your condition outside of traditional treatments.

Read Blog
Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine has transformed the healthcare landscape in India by making medical services more accessible, affordable, and patient-friendly. With growing smartphone usage, improved internet penetration, and digital health adoption under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), teleconsultation platforms have become a primary mode of healthcare for millions. But with multiple platforms available, choosing the right one requires a proper telemedicine platform comparison India.

This blog provides a detailed comparison of India’s leading telemedicine providers and evaluates what sets SecondMedic apart in terms of accessibility, specialist availability, user experience, and overall digital healthcare value.

Why Telemedicine Is Growing Rapidly in India

The demand for digital healthcare platforms is driven by:

  • Busy lifestyles limiting hospital visits
     

  • Rising chronic diseases needing follow-ups
     

  • Rural populations needing specialist access
     

  • Post-pandemic digital health acceptance
     

  • Cost efficiency
     

  • Faster access to care
     

According to Statista, the telemedicine market size in India is increasing significantly, driven by digital transformation and patient willingness to adopt virtual care.

Key Parameters for Comparing Telemedicine Platforms

When comparing telemedicine platforms, users should evaluate the following:

1. Doctor Availability

The range of specialists available-cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, etc.-is crucial.

2. Pricing and Consultation Fees

Costs vary significantly between platforms. Affordable, transparent pricing determines long-term usability.

3. User Interface (UI/UX)

The platform must be easy to navigate, especially for elderly patients.

4. Appointment Wait Time

Faster access to doctors enhances the value of telemedicine.

5. E-Prescriptions

Availability of legal, digital prescriptions is essential for seamless continuity of care.

6. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Platforms offering unified records improve patient experience.

7. Service Range

A good telemedicine platform should provide:

  • Teleconsultations
     

  • Second opinions
     

  • Remote monitoring
     

  • Home diagnostics
     

  • Preventive health packages
     

SecondMedic is one of the few platforms offering this full ecosystem.

Comparison of Major Telemedicine Platforms in India

1. SecondMedic

Specialties: Full range including cardiology, dermatology, neurology
Strengths:

  • Instant teleconsultation
     

  • Online specialist access
     

  • Remote monitoring tools
     

  • Second opinion services
     

  • Preventive health packages
     

  • Strong chronic care management
     

  • Patient-first experience
     

  • Easy EHR access
    Best For: Those wanting comprehensive digital healthcare

     

 

2. Practo

Strengths:

  • Wide doctor network
     

  • Pharmacy integration
     

  • Lab test bookings
    Limitations:

     

  • Higher consultation fees
     

  • Variable doctor response times
     

 

3. Apollo 24/7

Strengths:

  • Strong specialist network
     

  • Integration with Apollo hospitals
    Limitations:

     

  • High cost
     

  • Limited remote monitoring features
     

 

4. Tata 1mg

Strengths:

  • Affordable consultations
     

  • Pharmacy + lab tests
    Limitations:

     

  • Limited specialist variety
     

  • Heavy focus on diagnostics and medicines rather than telemedicine
     

 

5. MFine

Strengths:

  • Good specialist availability
     

  • Partner-hospital model
    Limitations:

     

  • Service coverage varies
     

  • Less personalized care
     

 

This comparison shows that while multiple telemedicine platforms serve specific needs, SecondMedic provides a more integrated healthcare experience connecting consultations, preventive care, and chronic disease management.

What Makes SecondMedic Stand Out

1. Comprehensive Specialty Coverage

From general physicians to cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, and pediatricians, SecondMedic covers major medical specialties.

2. Strong Chronic Disease Management

Continuous monitoring and scheduled check-ins help manage long-term conditions effectively.

3. Online Second Opinions

Patients needing specialist reassessment benefit from high-quality second opinions from top doctors.

4. Remote Monitoring Ecosystem

Compatible with digital ECGs, glucometers, BP monitors, and other wearable tools.

5. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

SecondMedic offers cost-effective consultations without hidden charges.

6. Easy-to-Use Interface

Designed for all age groups with minimal complexity.

7. Integration with Preventive Health Packages

Users can also book diagnostics, screenings, and wellness plans.

Importance of EHR in Telemedicine Platform Comparison India

Electronic Health Records improve:

  • Safety
     

  • Accuracy
     

  • Convenience
     

  • Treatment continuity
     

SecondMedic’s EHR system is aligned with ABDM guidelines, making health data secure and portable.

User Experience and Accessibility

A good telemedicine platform must offer:

  • Multilingual support
     

  • Low-bandwidth compatibility
     

  • Easy appointment scheduling
     

  • Quick report upload
     

SecondMedic excels in offering a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Future of Telemedicine Platforms in India

The next evolution includes:

  • AI-assisted triage
     

  • Wearable tech integration
     

  • Predictive health alerts
     

  • Virtual healthcare kiosks
     

  • Full ABDM interoperability
     

SecondMedic is aligning with these innovations to build the next-generation digital healthcare ecosystem.

Conclusion

Telemedicine platform comparison India reveals that while several platforms offer strong digital health services, SecondMedic stands out due to its integrated care model, specialist availability, chronic disease support, remote monitoring tools, and preventive healthcare programs. For patients seeking a complete, reliable, and patient-centric telemedicine experience, SecondMedic remains a top choice.

To explore telemedicine services, visit www.secondmedic.com

 

References

  • NITI Aayog - Telemedicine guidelines for India
     

  • Statista - Telemedicine adoption and market size
     

  • ABDM - Digital health mission framework
     

  • WHO - Teleconsultation standards
     

  • IMARC - Digital health ecosystem growth
     

  • SecondMedic platform insights

See all

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