The Three Different Types of Hearing Loss Explained
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects people of all ages and can be caused by various factors. Here are the three main types of hearing loss:
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. This type of hearing loss is often caused by age-related wear and tear, noise exposure, genetics, or illnesses such as meningitis or Meniere's disease. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent and can range from mild to severe. People with sensorineural hearing loss may have difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments, and may experience tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are not conducted properly through the outer or middle ear. This can be caused by conditions such as earwax buildup, a perforated eardrum, fluid in the middle ear, or damage to the bones of the middle ear. Conductive hearing loss is typically temporary and can often be treated with medication or surgery. People with conductive hearing loss may have difficulty hearing faint sounds, and speech may sound muffled or unclear.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This can happen when someone with existing conductive hearing loss experiences damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Mixed hearing loss is a complex condition that requires a thorough evaluation by an audiologist to determine the best treatment approach.
It is important to note that hearing loss can also be categorized by degree, ranging from mild to profound. Mild hearing loss may make it difficult to hear soft sounds, while profound hearing loss may make it impossible to hear any sounds at all. It is also possible to have hearing loss in one ear only, which is known as unilateral hearing loss.
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