Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can take place at any age and can develop for several reasons. While hearing loss is unique to the individual, it can be categorized into three different types of loss depending on which part of the ear is affected: There are three types of hearing loss: Conductive, Sensorineural and Mixed.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is an obstruction in the outer or middle ear, impeding the sound waves from passing through the auditory pathway.
Some cause of conductive hearing loss include:
- Ear wax,
- Infections
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- Perforations of the eardrum
- Otosclerosis (a stiffening of the bones in the middle ear)
Most outer and middle ear problems can be effectively managed with medical intervention. When surgery or medication does not resolve the issue, this type of hearing loss can be treated with the use of a proper hearing aid.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common variation of hearing loss and takes place in the inner ear. It occurs when the hair cells in the hearing organ (cochlea) become damaged and affect the transmission of signals to the auditory part of the brain via the auditory nerve. Sound and speech may be indistinguishable or muffled even when the volume is up high enough to hear.
Some causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Aging
- loud noise
- Illness
- Some types of medication
- Genetics
- Head trauma
- Malformation of the inner ear
Inner ear hearing loss cannot be reversed with medication or surgery, but it can be treated with the proper hearing aid.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss can range from mild to profound. A detailed hearing evaluation is imperative with this type of hearing loss, as appropriate treatment must be determined based on individual cases.
