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Hearing loss – All you need to know

Hearing loss – All you need to know

Hearing loss gradually occurs as the body ages, making it common among seniors, but it can affect people of all ages due to a birth defect or damage to the ear due to an injury. Almost one-third of America’s population between the ages of 65 and 75 years suffer from some level of hearing loss. Depending on the part of the ear that’s affected, hearing loss can be divided into three types:

  • Conductive : Hearing loss involving the outer or the middle part of the ear
  • Sensorineural : This type of hearing loss involves the inner part of the ear
  • Mixed : This is a combination of the other two types of hearing loss

Stages
Various levels of hearing loss have been identified by audiologists:

  • Mild hearing loss
    People with mild hearing loss can hear sounds ranging between 25 and 40 decibels, so sounds like the ticking of a clock or a faucet dripping will be inaudible. Keeping up with a conversation that they have with one person might not be much of a challenge for people with mild hearing loss.
  • Moderate hearing loss
    At this stage, people with hearing loss might not be able to hear sounds below 41 to 55 decibels. Moderate hearing loss patients can face difficulty keeping up with conversations, and the ringing of a phone or a doorbell might not be audible to people with hearing loss at this stage.
  • Severe hearing loss
    People with severe hearing loss might not be able to hear any conversation without the help of a hearing aid. Also, hearing aids can be helpful to some extent in such cases, but they might not be foolproof.
  • Profound hearing loss
    This is the most severe stage of hearing loss that makes it difficult for a person to hear sounds below 90 decibels. In fact, using a hearing aid might also not prove very effective at this stage.

Diagnosis
Several tests are undertaken to diagnose the issues one might be facing with their hearing abilities:

  • Physical examination : A doctor will examine a person’s ear for any earwax deposits or swelling caused due to an infection.
  • Screening tests : The general whisper test is conducted to diagnose hearing loss.
  • App-based hearing tests : There are apps on mobiles or tablets that anyone can use to screen for a moderate level of hearing loss.
  • Audiometric tests : These are the more thorough tests conducted by an audiologist wherein the patient is asked to wear headphones and then words and sounds are sent to each ear to diagnose the extent of hearing loss.

Prevention
Over-exposure to loud noise and aging are the leading causes of hearing loss, but earwax buildup can also affect one’s hearing abilities temporarily.

In most cases, hearing loss might not be treatable or reversible, but its effects can be minimized with help from an audiologist. There are several ways to prevent hearing loss caused due to aging and exposure to loud noise:

  • Staying away from areas with loud noise
  • Using hearing protection like earplugs
  • Limiting exposure to loud sounds
  • Using appliances or gadgets that have low noise levels
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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Autoimmune diseases – All you need to know

The immune system of our body is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria. Its job is to protect us from foreign cells that try to harm us. However, there are certain illnesses that can result in your immune system attacking your own healthy cells. These illnesses are known as autoimmune diseases. They cause the immune system to treat certain body parts as foreign elements and release auto-antibodies to attack the cells. Causes of autoimmune diseasesExactly what causes the autoimmune diseases is still unknown, but researchers around the world have come up with a few possibilities. While genetics can be at fault, your diet, certain infections, and exposure to specific chemicals may also result in autoimmune diseases. Types of autoimmune diseasesThere are many different types of autoimmune diseases that affect your immune system and cause it to attack the healthy cells in your body. Below is a list of the most common types. Type 1 diabetesThis causes the immune system to attack the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.Rheumatoid arthritisThis illness forces the immune system to attack the joints in the body and results in stiffness, soreness, and redness. Multiple sclerosisThe nerve cells in the human body are protected by a coating called the myelin sheath. Multiple sclerosis makes the immune system attack this protective coating. The damage results in numbness, balance-related issues, weakness, and walking difficulties. Other than these, there are many forms of autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, Addison’s disease, Graves’ disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. DiagnosisImmune-system-related illnesses are hard to diagnose with any single test. That is why multiple medical tests are performed to determine the type of autoimmune disease one may have. The one test that is most commonly used by doctors is the Antinuclear Antibody test, which can tell if you have any autoimmune disease, but the test cannot confirm which one. Different other tests are performed to determine that. The doctors also need to determine the presence of certain auto-antibodies to know which type of autoimmune disease the patient has. There are multiple tests that are used for this. The body is also examined for inflammations as they can indicate autoimmune diseases, too. Prevention of autoimmune diseasesThere are certain ways you can limit the chances of autoimmune diseases. The very first thing to do is to avoid certain toxins like pollution, lead mercury, uranium, cadmium, pesticides, synthetic estrogens, and alcohol. You must also avoid smoking and maintain an anti-inflammatory diet. Researches have shown that improved gut health can also lower the risk of autoimmune diseases. You can maintain the health of your gut by avoiding sugar and grains. Your diet should include more fruits and vegetables that are rich in dietary fiber. Getting enough sleep regularly can also help to reduce the possibility of autoimmune diseases.While the autoimmune diseases cannot be treated, there are medicines that can control the overreaction of the immune response. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing medications can treat inflammation, swelling, pain, skin rashes, and fatigue caused by autoimmune disorders.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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