Causes And Types Of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is often the result of something as easy to resolve as wax build-up. But it can also result from extended exposure to loud or constant noise, certain illnesses, heredity, and various types of medication. Or it may just be due to the aging process. Most hearing loss occurs so gradually, that people first have it brought to their attention by someone close to them.

All hearing loss isn’t the same. Problems found in different parts of the ear will cause different types of hearing loss. Here are the three types of hearing loss and some of their causes and symptoms:

Conductive

A conductive hearing loss occurs because sound cannot be conducted to the inner ear due to problems in the outer and/or middle ear. Individuals often have the feeling of pressure or fullness in their ears and have difficulty hearing faint sounds. The most common causes include earwax impaction, middle ear infection, outer ear infection or foreign body impaction. Typically, this type of hearing loss can be medically or surgically corrected.

Sensorineural

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there’s damage to the inner ear. People often have difficulty understanding speech, especially when there’s background noise. Another common symptom associated with sensorineural hearing loss is tinnitus. This type of hearing loss may be caused by birth injury, ototoxic drugs, genetics, viruses, head trauma, aging or noise exposure. In general, the preferred solution for sensorineural hearing loss is hearing aids.

Mixed

A mixed hearing loss occurs when there’s a problem in the inner ear and outer or middle ear. It’s a combination of a conductive and sensoineural hearing loss.