Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Hearing Loss
Unknown
2
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Encephalitis
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.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain that can cause a serious illness affecting the nervous system. Symptoms may include fever, headache, confusion, unusual behavior, seizures, sensitivity to light, weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of consciousness. Encephalitis can progress rapidly and may require urgent hospital treatment. Recovery varies according to the cause and severity of the inflammation.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Blocked Ear Ringing In EarsOnly in Right Disease
Confusion Fever Headache SeizuresCauses
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.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is diagnosed using the symptoms, neurological examination, and tests designed to identify inflammation or infection of the brain. Evaluation may include brain imaging with CT or MRI, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid obtained by lumbar puncture, blood tests, and an electroencephalogram to assess brain electrical activity. Additional antibody or infectious-disease testing may be performed to determine the cause.
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.
Encephalitis
Prevention depends on the cause. Recommended vaccinations can protect against some infections associated with encephalitis. Avoiding mosquito and tick bites through appropriate clothing, repellents, and environmental precautions can reduce exposure to certain infectious causes. Good hygiene can reduce transmission of some viruses. People should seek urgent medical attention for severe headache, confusion, seizures, or other rapidly developing neurological symptoms.
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.
Encephalitis
Risk depends on the underlying cause. Exposure to viruses and other infectious organisms can increase risk, including exposure through mosquito or tick bites or contact with infected people. Travel or residence in areas where certain mosquito- or tick-borne infections occur may also increase risk. People with certain immune-system disorders may be susceptible to autoimmune encephalitis. Age and overall health can influence the severity of illness.
Treatment
Hearing Loss
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Encephalitis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.