Loading ...Hearing loss is usually categorized as either sensorineural hearing loss or conductive hearing loss but hearing problems can also appear as a mixture of
these two main types. All of them essentially relate to the level or degree that
the ear can process sound.
As the name suggests, conductive hearing loss refers to the ability or non ability of the outer ear to conduct sound via the ear canal to the middle ear. Hearing loss due to ear wax build up or a slight infection is temporary and often clears up naturally although you may need some medication for the temporary discomfort as long as it lasts. Other causes of the reduced ability to hear include fluid in the ear, cold or flu symptoms, allergic effects, possibly a benign tumor and maybe having something stuck there or as a rsult of some kind of injury or local physical trauma.
In most cases you will find that this kind of hearing loss is treatable or can even clear up by itself. whatever symptoms you may be experiencing, it is advisable to make sure you check it out with a doctor before proceeding with any kind of treatment.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss then the condition is a little more serious than the case above. The term ‘neural’ relates to the nerves in the ear that lead to the hearing centre in the
brain and ’sensori’ refers to the way the nerve sensors work, or not, as the case may be.
If the sensitive area of the auditory nerve and cochlea are subject to damage, unlike the more easily treatable outer and middle part of the ear, permanent hearing loss will ensue ,. Although it may not be a total hearing loss, and some degree of hearing remains, it is usually severely impaired which can make it very difficult to make out what anyone is saying even if they are standing close to you.
This can sometimes happen as a result of injuries received during birth or genetics or may occur as a side effect of certain medications like the regular use of aspirin or some diuretic drugs, for example. The name used to identify this kind of hearing condition is ‘ototoxic’. Hearing impairment can also come about as a result of contracting a virus or disease such as rubella, meningitis or Meniere’s disease. Noise induced hearing loss comes as a direct result of being exposed to high levels of noise, usually over a prolonged period of time, which increases the wear and tear on the sensitive hair cells of the cochlea.
Presbycusis is the term used to describe hearing loss that occurs naturally with aging where the ear doesn’t perform as efficiently due to gradual wear and tear.When there is damage to both the outer middle ear and inner cochlea area where the auditory nerve does its work, then this type of hearing impairment is categorised as mixed hearing loss.
The degree of hearing loss suffered is usually calculated by testing and matching to a threshold scale of decibels, with mild hearing loss typified at around 25-40 decibels, which is the threshold at which sound starts to be recognised, and profound hearing loss typified at over 90 decibels.
More tips, advice and information about all types of hearing loss, symptoms, causes and treatment is available at www.conductivehearinglossandtreatments.com