Where Does Hearing Loss Occur?

The ear has three different parts that help your ear function properly: The outer ear is the part that you can see and the ear canal. Tucked in behind the eardrum is a small space that contains tiny bones called ossicles, this is called the middle ear. The inner ear is the most complex section and is found inside your skill. It is comprised of the cochlea, vestibular system, and auditory nerve. For people to hear properly, sound needs to travel through these three parts of the ear. If one of the three parts of the ear is damaged, then hearing decreases.

Genetics, aging, and noise exposure are just a few reasons hearing loss occurs. Anyone at any point in their life can experience hearing loss and need treatment.

Hearing loss has been organized into three main types: Conductive Hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Cause

When sound waves are not able to move through the outer to the middle ear, this is called conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is most often caused by a blockage, like earwax or a foreign object in the ear. Excess fluid, infection bone abnormality, or a ruptured eardrum are also potential causes. This type of hearing loss can occur in one or both ears.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of conductive hearing loss is having difficulty hearing. Hearing may become muffled or distorted over time in one or both ears. A doctor or audiologist can make A diagnosis.

Treatment

For some people, conductive hearing loss can be reversed with medical procedures or surgery. Children are more likely to be affected by conductive hearing loss if they have repeated ear infections or like to put foreign objects into their ear canal. Hearing implements like hearing aids or cochlear implants can also treat thy type of hearing loss.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Cause

When the inner ear or hearing nerve becomes damaged, this is called sensorineural hearing loss. It can also occur because the heir cells within the inner ear or cochlea become damaged.

This type of hearing loss is often age-related. Exposure to extremely loud noises, injury, medications, disease, or certain hereditary conditions can also cause it.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss include muffled sounds and voices. You might struggle with hearing in a noisy environment like a restaurant or hearing certain voices because of the difference in pitch.

You might even experience tinnitus or ringing in the years. These are all symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss.

Treatment

This is the most common type of hearing loss, and it typically can not be treated through medicine or surgery. Many people find hearing aids beneficial when they experience this type of hearing loss.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Cause

Sometimes people can experience both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss. This usually occurs if someone has sensorineural hearing loss and then later develops conductive hearing loss as well.

For example, if a person has sensorineural hearing loss because of a trauma, they may develop conductive hearing loss as they age. Likewise, a person with impacted earwax may experience temporary mixed hearing loss. 

Extreme sound injuries can cause mixed hearing loss because of the trauma of the event.

Symptoms

Mixed hearing loss symptoms are often a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Treatment

Treatment for mixed hearing loss depends on which type of hearing loss is most prevalent sensorineural or conductive. If the greater loss is sensorineural, hearing aids may be the best option. If hearing loss is conductive, then surgical procedures and other medical treatments may be effective treatment.

Treatment options for mixed hearing loss will depend on whether the loss is more conductive or sensorineural.

What Should I do if I Think I have Hearing Loss?

Studies show that hearing loss can affect mental and physical health. It is important to get your hearing checked and diagnosed and have a treatment plan developed when symptoms first occur. 

When you visit your audiologist for an evaluation, they will help you understand the type of hearing loss you are experiencing and provide you with a comprehensive plan for treatment. Part of your evaluation will include a physical exam and screening tests.

Hearing specialists are knowledgeable about the latest hearing technology and will help you find the right hearing aid that fits your life.

At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, we are the hearing specialists that take time to understand your hearing concerns and help you get the right diagnosis and treatment plan that fits you and your life. 

We help you improve the quality of your life by helping you communicate better with a proper evaluation of your hearing. If you or a loved one are struggling, call us today and schedule your consultation.