Types Of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss and a brief description of each is given below;
Conductive hearing loss
This occurs when sound is not being efficiently processed through the ear canal to the small bones of the middle ear.
Sensorineural hearing loss
This is when there is damage to the inner ear or to the auditory nerve.
Mixed hearing loss
This is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural loss and therefore affecting both the outer/middle and inner ear.
Causes of Conductive hearing loss include, impacted earwax, collection of fluid in the middle ear, middle and outer ear infections, presence of a foreign body, just to mention a few. Whilst Sensorineural hearing loss include, age-related hearing loss, exposure to a lot of noise, viral infections of the inner ear, diseases such as multiple sclerosis and furthermore.
Diagnosing hearing loss
Should you feel any symptoms of hearing loss you are advised to visit your local GP or Audiologist for a diagnosis. They will then advise you on the appropriate treatment for your hearing loss depending on its cause.
An Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser will also be able give you more information about the specific types of hearing aid and the one suitable for your hearing loss.