Types Of Hearing Loss
A big part of treating hearing loss comes from understanding the different types of hearing loss. Each type is classified according to which part of the auditory system is damaged.
There are generally three types of hearing loss including conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. No matter the source of the loss, it is important to recognize the signs to determine if there is a problem that merits the consultation of a healthcare practitioner.
There are several signs that a hearing problem may be present. Straining to hear or thinking that others mumble when they speak may be a sign that one has a hearing problem. Hearing better in one ear than another is also a sign.
Not hearing things such as a dripping faucet or a high pitch note such as that from a violin could mean there is a problem. Turning up the radio or television louder than other people could mean there is some hearing loss. Interactions with others in which they say one is shouting at them or one has to ask them to repeat things, especially when there is background noise, may also mean one has a hearing problem.
Conductive Hearing Loss
When one suffers from conductive hearing loss, he or she experiences a reduction in the sound level because sound is not led efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. This type of hearing loss may be caused by several factors including allergies, benign tumors, ear infection, fluid in the middle ear, impacted earwax, perforated eardrum, poor function of the Eustachian tube or malformation of the outer or middle ear or ear canal. This type of damage can usually be corrected through medical or surgical methods.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss happens with damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways leading from the inner ear to the brain. Like conductive hearing loss, it reduces one’s ability to hear faint sounds. Even when sounds are loud enough for the average person, one suffering from this hearing problem may still find them muffled and incomprehensible. This type of hearing loss may be caused by aging, certain drugs, exposure to loud noise, genetics, head trauma, illnesses and malformation of the inner ear. Unlike conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is a common form of permanent hearing loss and cannot be medically or surgically treated.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is rather self explanatory as a combination of both. This means that the damage is in the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve. Since only a small portion of these types of hearing problems can be treated through medical or surgical means, many may have to use hearing aids to help them. Of course, there are many other factors associated with hearing loss that will determine what type of assistance will be needed or what type of measures can be taken in order to help the patient restore his or her hearing.
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