Q: I am a 23-year-old male. At the age of two years, I had a cleft palate surgery. When I was 12 years old, I underwent a middle ear surgery called mastiodectomy. Next, at the age of 15 years I underwent an enlarging ear cavity surgery (both ears). Since the past six months I have been drinking alcohol a lot. I have a quarter of vodka twice in a week. Now, I am suffering from hearing loss. Can drinking alcohol affect my ear, palate or cause hearing loss?

A:Considering that you have had a cleft palate followed by mastoid surgery, it is very likely that your hearing loss is related to the above conditions. Alcohol too may affect the ear, but this is less likely to be the main reason for your hearing loss. See an ENT specialist and get your ears and hearing tested.