At least 15% of Americans over the age of 18 experience symptoms of hearing loss or are currently living with hearing loss. This is according to a recent study by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). To learn more about hearing loss, we look at three main types of hearing loss, their causes, and symptoms.
Main Types OF Hearing Loss
Those who present with symptoms of declining hearing abilities may be experiencing one of three main types of hearing loss:
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss
- Mixed hearing loss
The correct diagnosis by a hearing professional will help ensure you receive the best treatment for your hearing loss.
To start, the hearing specialist will determine what part of the ear is affected and the underlying cause – such as disease or head injury – for the loss of hearing.
To hear effectively, the three components of the ear – the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear – transmit sound from the outside environment to your brain so that it can be analyzed and interpreted. A problem in either of the three parts of the ear can decrease an individual’s hearing abilities.
A hearing evaluation is vital to diagnose a hearing disorder accurately. The hearing evaluation, which includes several sound tests and an ear inspection, will give you peace of mind and help you and your hearing specialist manage the condition better.
Let’s take a deeper look into the different types of hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Abbreviated as SNHL, sensorineural hearing loss is the more common type of hearing loss and occurs in both ears simultaneously.
SNHL is diagnosed when significant damage to the inner ear and auditory nerve has been done, which work together to transmit aural information to your brain.
The cochlea, another name for the inner ear, receives sound waves from the middle ear and is responsible for sorting through different frequencies.
The auditory nerve transmits received sounds and frequency information from the inner ear to the brain and nervous system.
In many cases, sensorineural hearing loss is caused by presbycusis, which sets in as the body ages. Based on stats provided by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, one in three US residents between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss in some form or another.
Other causes include prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels, trauma to the head, disease, or the lingering side effect of virus exposure.
Individuals who experience sensorineural hearing loss may present the following symptoms:
- Difficulty hearing clear sounds
- Trouble making out speech or conversation
- Sudden or gradual hearing loss
- A feeling that the ear is full or stuffy.
In most cases, SNHL can be managed with treatment or by installing hearing aids. However, depending on the cause, the hearing loss may be irreversible.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Unlike sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss occurs when there is an abnormal challenge, damage, or finding in the outer or middle ear. In this case, the inner ear still functions well, but it can’t transmit sound waves effectively because of a blockage or obstruction in the other parts of the ear.
A more significant segment of the population, including babies and young children, are affected by conductive hearing loss.
The condition can be treated with either medication or surgery; in most cases, it can be reversed. However, early intervention is critical, so if you suspect a hearing problem, getting a hearing evaluation is essential.
Factors such as wax build-up, perforated ear drums, allergies, or even build-up from wax can cause conductive hearing loss. Other causes include a low-functioning Eustachian tube, which runs between the middle ear and nose, and a middle-ear infection.
If you have difficulty hearing sounds in the distance or your ears feel full, you may be experiencing symptoms of conductive hearing loss. Sound quality may also be affected, resulting in muffled or blocked sounds.
More indications of conductive hearing loss include tinnitus, a regular ear ringing sound, and pain in the outer or middle ear.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, as is the case with sensorineural hearing loss patients. At the same time, though, there is an obstruction blocking sound in the middle or outer ear – like in conductive hearing loss. Hence the name of the disorder.
This combination means mixed hearing loss can result from several factors, such as aging, viral infections, head trauma, and genetics.
Symptoms can include that of SNHL, such as diminished ability to hear sounds clearly and conductive hearing loss, like muffled sounds or a full feeling in the ear.
The extent of the hearing loss and which part of the ear was damaged will help determine an effective treatment plan for mixed hearing loss. While some hearing may be recovered from mixed hearing loss, if there is significant damage to the inner ear, hearing interventions such as hearing aids may be necessary.
Have Your Hearing Tested at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas
Hearing loss can significantly impact your daily life and the lives of those around you.
Whether you believe that you have either sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, or mixed hearing loss, Hearing Associates of Las Vegas is here to help.
We offer personalized hearing interviews and diagnostic hearing evaluations at our hearing clinics to help you manage your hearing concerns and provide care tailored to your needs.
Contact us to take control of your hearing today!
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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