Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Hearing Loss
Unknown
2
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Concussion
Moderate
4
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is partial or complete inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It may develop gradually or occur suddenly and can result from problems in the outer or middle ear, damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, certain diseases, medications, injuries or prolonged exposure to loud sound. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot reach the inner ear normally, while sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways. Some forms can be treated or reversed, while others may be permanent.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or by a force that makes the brain move rapidly within the skull. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and changes in sleep or mood. Loss of consciousness is not required.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Blocked Ear Ringing In EarsOnly in Right Disease
Confusion Dizziness Fainting HeadacheCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
None
Only in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Hearing Loss
Evaluation of hearing loss begins with a medical history and examination of the ears. A healthcare provider may use an otoscope to look for earwax, infection, fluid or abnormalities of the eardrum. Audiometric testing measures the type and degree of hearing loss and can distinguish conductive from sensorineural problems. Tympanometry may evaluate middle-ear function. CT or MRI may be used when a tumor, fracture or another structural problem is suspected. Additional evaluation by an audiologist or ear, nose and throat specialist may be appropriate.
Concussion
Concussion is diagnosed primarily from the circumstances of the injury, symptoms, and neurological examination. Healthcare professionals assess memory, concentration, balance, coordination, and other neurological functions. CT or MRI is not required for every concussion but may be used when there are signs suggesting a more serious brain injury, such as severe worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, or neurological abnormalities.
Prevention
Hearing Loss
Some forms of hearing loss can be prevented by protecting the ears from excessive noise. Avoid prolonged exposure to loud music, machinery and other intense sounds, and use appropriate earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments. Keep personal listening devices at safer volume levels and take breaks from prolonged listening. Promptly treating ear problems and avoiding insertion of objects into the ear canal can reduce some preventable causes. People exposed to occupational noise should follow workplace hearing-protection and hearing-testing recommendations.
Concussion
Concussion risk can be reduced by using appropriate protective equipment, following sports-safety rules, improving playing and training techniques, using seat belts, preventing falls, and making homes and work areas safer. Helmets can reduce the risk of some head injuries but cannot prevent every concussion. Anyone suspected of having a concussion should stop the activity and be medically assessed before returning to sports or other high-risk activities.
Risk Factors
Hearing Loss
Risk factors include increasing age, repeated exposure to loud music or workplace noise, certain infections, head or ear injuries, some medicines that can damage hearing, genetic conditions and a family history of hearing loss. Ear infections and conditions that block the ear canal or middle ear can contribute to conductive hearing loss. Smoking and certain medical conditions may also contribute to age-related hearing changes. The risk from noise increases with both the loudness of the sound and the duration of exposure.
Concussion
Risk factors include participation in contact or collision sports, activities with a high risk of falls, previous concussion, and situations where protective equipment or safety measures are inadequate. Children and adolescents may require particular attention because their brains are still developing. Returning to activities before recovery can increase the risk of another injury.
Treatment
Hearing Loss
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Concussion
Treatment comparison will be available soon.