Different Types of Hearing Loss

One-third of people over the age of 65 and half of the people over the age of 79 are affected by debilitating hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss in older adults makes it most common cause of hearing loss. The conditions and causes of certain kinds of hearing loss can be indexed under one of three categories: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. These categories are diagnostically significant, as no type of hearing loss is the same, and treatments will vary depending on hearing loss origin, location, comorbidities and more.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This is the most common type of hearing loss and is characterized by damage to the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is caused by inner ear damage, specifically, to the hearing organ, the cochlea.  With SNHL, soft sounds are difficult to detect, and louder noises may be muffled or distorted. Unfortunately, conditions that fall under the sensorineural umbrella are usually permanent. Age-related hearing loss is a part of the sensorineural family, along with hereditary hearing conditions. External factors that contribute to SNHL involve drugs that are ototoxic (harmful to the ear), blunt force trauma to the head and prolonged exposure to loud noises.

Audiologists are qualified to diagnose and treat sensorineural hearing conditions. Hearing devices are the most common solution for patients experiencing sensorineural hearing loss, as they amplify sound to enhance the wearer’s quality of life by allowing them to hear better and resume their everyday lives.

Conductive Hearing Loss 

Conductive hearing loss is when sounds cannot reach the inner ear, and unable to pass through the outer and middle ear. Conductive hearing loss makes it difficult to hear soft sounds, and similarly to sensorineural hearing loss, muffles loud noises. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by fluid in the middle ear, ear infections, holes in the eardrum, benign tumors, earwax impactions or other blockages in the outer and middle ear. This type of hearing loss is commonly temporary and can typically be treated with medicine or surgical procedures. A common condition under this type of hearing loss is temporary hearing loss as a result of earwax impaction. This can be removed by an audiologist via suction, irrigation, or by using special instruments Audiologists are able to treat this type of hearing loss as well and have the ability to perform procedures to remove obstructions from the ear canal.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is an issue involving both conductive and sensorineural issues. This means that mixed hearing loss caused by an issue in your outer and / or middle ear as well as your inner ear. Mixed hearing loss, for example, occurs when one is suffering from two independent conditions such as hearing loss after an explosion and fluid in the middle ear. A mixed hearing loss diagnosis is contingent upon an audiologist identifying two different hearing loss conditions occurring simultaneously.

Audiologists can address mixed hearing loss and may treat the condition with a number of different interventions to treat each root cause. For example, if you are suffering from age-related hearing loss and impacted cerumen – the audiologist may remove the earwax and begin measurements for a hearing device.

If you’re concerned about your hearing health, The Villages Health offers free hearing consultation with one of our doctors of audiology. Request your consultation today.

Can Hearing Loss Be Fixed or Repaired?

For many, a hearing loss diagnosis can feel devastating. Hearing loss can affect a person’s mental, physical, social and cognitive health. Permanent hearing loss caused by aging or severe damage to the ear cannot be completely cured – but there are ways to alleviate the side effects of hearing loss. While it may sound dismal to learn that types of hearing loss cannot be cured – there is a bright side. The good news is that hearing loss can be treated and made manageable. Treatments for hearing loss are largely dependent upon the type of hearing loss experienced. Some treatments are designed to correct temporary hearing loss, while others address more permanent variations of the condition.

Understanding Conductive Hearing Loss

The type of hearing loss that can usually be completely treated is conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem transferring sound waves along the ear pathway, specifically in the outer and/or middle ear. Some conditions labeled as conductive hearing loss, such as impacted cerumen (ear wax), can be completely fixed by removing the blockage from the ear canal. Of course, this isn’t the case for every instance of conductive hearing loss. Another instance of “reversible” hearing loss occurs with the presence of ear infections or other common illnesses that may obstruct or impede a person’s ability to hear. These conditions can be cleared up with antibiotics or medications that rid the body of the infection.

Understanding Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The most common type of hearing loss, known as sensorineural hearing loss, is a progressive degenerative disorder and the number one sensory deficit among the 65 plus population. The root cause of sensorineural hearing loss lies within the inner ear or sensory organ (cochlea), or even the cranial nerve associated with hearing. Due to its physiological nature, this type of hearing loss can be treated splendidly through the medical advancements of hearing technology.

Hearing Device Technologies

Up to 90% of recorded instances of permanent hearing loss can be attributed to sensorineural hearing loss, which had led to impressive developments in hearing devices and cochlear implant technology. Hearing devices are now low profile and discrete to fit the needs of today’s hearing loss patients. As the most effective way to treat hearing loss, hearing devices are the key to any hearing loss treatment plan. Audiologists have the ability to test a patient’s hearing and use Real Ear Measurements (REM) to accurately measure the performance of the hearing device objectively. Gone are the days of big, bulky hearing devices. Audiologists at The Villages Health can perform Real Ear Measurements to fit you with the right hearing device – effectively treating your hearing loss.

If you’re concerned about your hearing – don’t wait. Visit a doctor of audiology at The Villages Health Audiology. Our team of experts will test your hearing, get you fitted and work with you to create a hearing loss treatment plan that works best for your lifestyle and budget. Total hearing health is within reach, no matter where you are in your health journey.