Types of Hearing Loss and Why they Matter to You

Do you have difficulty hearing?

Hearing loss often comes on gradually. The signs might be so subtle you aren’t aware of them at first. But as the problem becomes more pronounced, the coping mechanisms that get you by early on are no longer enough.

It is important to correct your hearing loss, because scientific studies show left untreated the problem can lead to an increased risk of health problems, including: dementia, social isolation and depression.

A better answer to treating your hearing loss is to visit a hearing healthcare provider for a thorough hearing exam. No matter how mild or severe your hearing problem, it’s best to seek expert advice as soon as you can. If the problem is mild the hearing care provider will give you honest advice about how to proceed and the timing of when to start using a hearing device. For severe hearing loss the hearing practitioner can suggest strategies to compliment your hearing aid, including: face reading, sign language and encouraging those around you to communicate clearly.

There are different types of hearing loss and each can impact an individual differently, which is why it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced hearing healthcare professional. The following are the three types of hearing loss:

• Sensoneural Hearing Loss: This is most common cause of hearing loss and is usually permanent. It is the result of damage to the delicate hairs in the inner ear. It is the job of these hairs to react to the transmission of sound waves harvested by the outer ear and converted to mechanical energy in the middle ear. Sensoneural hearing loss can be the result of exposure to loud noises or part of the normal aging process.
• Conductive Hearing Loss: This is the result of mechanical obstruction to the passage of sound waves from the outer ear across the eardrum. This might be because of a treatable problem such as a buildup earwax or infection.
• Mixed Hearing Loss: This can be the result of a combination of conductive and sensoneural hearing loss and generally causes problems with the brain’s ability to process and interpret sound. 

While the causes of poor hearing vary, the result is largely the same; so don’t be fooled into thinking that all you need is to turn the volume up. Seek the care of a hearing care provider to ensure you address your hearing loss and get the treatment you deserve.