Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Tuberculosis
Unknown
4
Symptoms
5
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Hearing Loss
Unknown
2
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most often affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB can occur as a latent infection, in which the bacteria remain in the body without causing illness, or as active tuberculosis, which causes symptoms and can spread to others. Active lung TB commonly causes a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and 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
Fever Night Sweats Palpitations Weight LossOnly in Right Disease
Blocked Ear Ringing In EarsCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Autoimmune Disorder Genetics Infection Smoking StressOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is diagnosed using a medical history, physical examination, and tests for TB infection or disease. Skin tests and blood tests can identify immune responses to tuberculosis bacteria. If active TB is suspected, chest imaging and laboratory testing of respiratory samples may be used to detect the bacteria. Additional tests may be needed when TB affects organs outside the lungs.
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
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis can be prevented by identifying and treating TB infection before it progresses to active disease. People with active TB should follow treatment and infection-control advice to reduce transmission. Good ventilation and avoiding prolonged close exposure to infectious people can reduce airborne spread. In some countries, the BCG vaccine is used to help protect against severe forms of TB in children.
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
Tuberculosis
Risk of tuberculosis is higher after close or prolonged contact with someone who has active TB. People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV infection, are at increased risk of developing active disease. Other factors include certain medical conditions, some medicines that suppress immunity, living or working in crowded settings, and residence or travel in areas where TB is common.
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
Tuberculosis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Hearing Loss
Treatment comparison will be available soon.