TYPES OF HEARING LOSS

 

Conductive hearing loss 

Conductive hearing loss occurs when a problem in the external or middle ear prevents sound from reaching the internal ear. This can be due to a buildup of earwax, an infection, a perforated eardrum, an accumulation of liquid behind the eardrum, a problem in the ossicular chain, or poor functioning of the Eustachian tube. Most conduction problems can be successfully treated by an otorhinolaryngologist. In cases where treatment is not possible, hearing aids can correct hearing loss problems.

 

Sensorineural hearing loss 

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing impairment. It results from an impaired area in the internal ear which prevents information from being transmitted to the brain. This type of hearing loss can be caused by various factors such as heredity, age, continuous exposure to excessive noise, a tumour, diabetes, an auto-immune disease, a pressure problem in cochlea fluids, the use of certain medications or ototoxic substances, and a range of other causes which cannot all be named here.

While some cases can benefit from a cochlear implant, most sensorineural hearing losses are treated with hearing aids.

 

Mixed hearing loss 

Mixed hearing loss is the combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss can be corrected with hearing aids if medical intervention is not possible.