Types of Hearing Loss
Our hearing sense is a complicated process. It involves many different parts working together seamlessly along the hearing pathway. When different part of the pathway is affected, different types of hearing loss occurs. Some can be treated medically while others may be permanent.
In general, there are three types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural loss occurs when there is a problem or malfunction in the inner ear or the pathway between the ears and the brain. This type of hearing loss leads to a loss of loudness as well as a lack of clarity. It is the most common form of hearing loss in otherwise healthy adults. It is also the type most commonly treated with hearing aids.
Common Causes
Some common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are: excessive noise exposure, aging process, hearing-damaging drugs, diseases (e.g. meningitis and Meniere’s disease) and viruses (e.g. mumps and measles).
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive loss refers to a decrease in sound when there is a problem or obstruction in the outer or middle ear. It usually indicates normal inner ear activity. This loss is usually treatable with medical or surgical intervention.
Common Causes
Some of the common causes of conductive hearing losses are blockages of the ear canal by wax or foreign objects, outer or middle ear infection, perforated eardrum, partial or complete closure of the ear canal, and otosclerosis that causes bone formation in the ear.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in both the outer or middle ear and in the inner ear. It is literally a mix of sensorineural and conductive hearing losses. The conductive component could be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause of the problem, but the sensorineural component is permanent.
Common Causes
Mixed hearing loss commonly happens gradually over time when one hearing loss is compounded by another. For example, an individual with sensorineural hearing loss may have a temporary mixed hearing loss due to wax impaction.
Book a Hearing Test Today!
If you think you or someone you know might have a hearing loss, you need to act fast.
On average, it takes seven years for someone with hearing loss to seek treatment. With this long delay, your hearing could change dramatically, so we absolutely recommend early intervention. The earlier you seek help, the earlier we can help you hear your very best.
Our hearing test takes about 45 minutes to complete. After that, you will be able to get a clear picture of your hearing health.
We are here to help find solutions to your hearing issues. Contact us today to book a hearing test.