Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Lung Cancer
Unknown
4
Symptoms
3
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Hearing Loss
Unknown
2
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the tissues of the lungs, usually in cells lining the air passages. The two main types are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Early lung cancer may cause few or no symptoms. As it develops, symptoms may include persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest discomfort, breathing problems, fatigue, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss.
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.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Chest Pain Dry Cough Palpitations Persistent HoarsenessOnly in Right Disease
Blocked Ear Ringing In EarsCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
High Cholesterol Obesity PregnancyOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is evaluated using symptoms, medical history, and physical examination followed by appropriate tests. Imaging such as chest X-rays or computed tomography scans can identify abnormal areas in the lungs. Additional tests may determine whether cancer has spread. A biopsy, in which a sample of abnormal tissue is examined, is generally needed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of lung cancer.
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.
Prevention
Lung Cancer
The most effective way to reduce the risk of lung cancer is to avoid smoking or quit smoking if you currently smoke. Avoiding secondhand smoke can also reduce exposure. Workplace safety measures can reduce contact with asbestos and other cancer-causing substances. People with substantial smoking histories may be eligible for lung cancer screening with low-dose CT according to current medical recommendations.
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.
Risk Factors
Lung Cancer
Smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer, and risk increases with the number of years and amount of tobacco exposure. Secondhand smoke also increases risk. Other factors include occupational exposure to certain cancer-causing substances, a family history of lung cancer, and previous radiation exposure to the chest. Age is also associated with increased risk of developing the disease.
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.
Treatment
Lung Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Hearing Loss
Treatment comparison will be available soon.