The 3 Main Types of Hearing Loss
Download link Living with hearing loss can be intensely frustrating, often making daily conversations and connecting with the world around you a significant challenge. However, this complex condition doesn't manifest in just one way. Instead, it can stem from diverse causes and take on various forms, from conductive to sensorineural hearing loss. As such, understanding the specific types of hearing loss you or a loved one is facing is the crucial first step toward finding the most effective and suitable treatment path.
1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of hearing loss, resulting from damage to the inner ear, specifically the delicate hair cells within the cochlear nerve. This permanent condition often develops in individuals between 50 and 70 years old. Common causes include: Ageing: The natural, gradual deterioration of the inner ear over time. Long-term noise exposure: Sustained exposure to loud sounds or noise pollution can irreversibly damage the sensory hair cells in the cochlea. Genetics: This type of hearing loss can sometimes be inherited or linked to genetic predispositions. Sensorineural hearing loss can manifest in various ways: Unilateral: Hearing loss is present in only one ear. Bilateral: The hearing loss affects both ears. Asymmetrical: Both ears are affected, but with a different degree of loss in each ear. Sudden: A rapid, often unexplained, sudden hearing loss that requires immediate medical attention. Sensorineural hearing loss often requires management through hearing aids or, in severe cases, may be treated with cochlear implants.
2. Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound transmission is blocked or reduced due to a problem in the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear properly. Common causes include: Earwax buildup: An excessive accumulation of earwax can create a physical blockage in the ear canal. Blockage from stuck objects: Small objects lodged in the ear canal can impede the proper conduction of sound waves. Fluid in the middle ear: Ear infections or colds can cause fluid accumulation, dampening the movement of the middle ear bones. Perforated eardrum: A hole or tear in the eardrum, which separates the outer ear from the middle ear, prevents it from vibrating effectively and transmitting sound. Abnormal bone growth in the ear: Conditions like otosclerosis can cause abnormal bone growth, hindering middle ear function. Ear tumours or cysts: Growths in the outer or middle ear can obstruct the typical passage of sound. Conductive hearing loss is most often observed in young children. However, it is usually temporary and can often be effectively treated through medical intervention or minor surgical procedures.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss involves a combination of both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss. This means there is damage present in both the outer or middle ear structures and the delicate inner ear nerve. For example, an individual who already has age-related sensorineural hearing loss may develop a middle ear infection. To address this, the conductive hearing loss would need to be treated first medically or surgically, while the remaining sensorineural issue would usually require a hearing aid fitting.
Understanding Your Hearing: The Path to Treatment
Download link As mentioned, a hearing impairment can manifest in various ways, such as conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, or a combination of both. These types of hearing loss differ in their origins, affecting various parts of the ear. Therefore, pinpointing the exact type and underlying cause is the crucial first step toward finding an effective solution. At the Listening Lab, our qualified audiologists are equipped to diagnose the nature and degree of hearing loss before proposing tailored treatment plans to address the condition. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, consider seeking a professional assessment at our hearing healthcare clinic today.
