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Types of Hearing Loss
In this section we will cover the different types of hearing loss and the degree of hearing loss evaluated by an audiogram (hearing test).
Hearing loss can be attributed to a number of reasons. For some of us, the cause of hearing loss could be the result of earwax buildup. For others, it could be damage to the cochlea where your electrical signals are not being transmitted efficiently.
Some additional causes of hearing loss include: Aging, genetic, exposure to loud sounds, ruptured eardrum, ear infection, or abnormal bone growth of the outer or middle ear.
Hearing loss can be categorized by where or what part of the auditory system is damaged.
There are three basic types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Below is a description of each type of hearing loss, with the potential treatment and possible causes.
Conductive Loss
Hearing loss when there is a problem conducting sound waves through the outer ear, eardrum,
or middle ear with indication of normal inner ear activity.
This type of hearing loss may occur in conjunction with sensorineural loss or alone.
In most situations, conductive hearing loss can be medically or surgically corrected.
Possible Causes: Wax in ear canal, perforation in the eardrum, or fluid in middle ear. Sensorineural Loss
Type of hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem in the inner ear or hearing nerve pathway between the inner ear and brain.
Most sensory hearing loss is due to poor hair cell function. The preferred treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is hearing aids.
Possible Causes: Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, aging, infection, or a genetic disorder. Mixed Hearing Loss
Refers to a conductive and a sensorineural hearing loss occurring at the same time.
As referenced above, the conductive component may be treated, the sensorineural component is permanent.
Possible Causes: Please see above.
Terms that describe the side or sides on which the hearing loss occurs:
Unilateral - there is a hearing loss in one ear Bilateral - there is a hearing loss in both ears Degree of Hearing Loss
The degree of hearing loss is defined as the severity of the hearing loss measured by hearing tests. When you get an audiological evaluation (hearing test), this is just one of the parts that your hearing healthcare specialist will show you after completing the test. The audiogram is very important to determine the degree of hearing loss, in order to seek appropriate treatment. On the chart below, the numbers illustrate a measurement of what levels of frequencies can and cannot be heard, what degree of hearing loss that it refers to, and what your ability is to understand speech.
Mild Hearing Loss
A person with a mild hearing loss may hear some speech sounds but soft sounds are hard to hear. This type of loss can typically be managed in a quiet environment.
Moderate Hearing Loss
A person with a moderate hearing loss may hear almost no speech when another person is talking at a normal level. Background noise provides a challenging listening experience when understanding conversational speech and often times patients will need to increase the volume levels of their radio, TV, IPod, etc.
Severe Hearing Loss
A person with severe hearing loss will hear no speech of a person talking at a normal level and only some loud sounds. You might also have difficulty with amplified speech.
Profound Hearing Loss
A person with a profound hearing loss will not hear any speech and only very loud sounds.
Audiogram with Speech Sounds
The hearing loss on an audiogram explains the severity of ones' hearing inability. The diagram below shows what the sounds are that we usually hear everyday and at what decibel (left hand side) the sound is heard. Normal hearing is from 0 - 20 decibels (dB) defined by the area shaded in grey. As you can see on the chart, those without hearing loss would be able to hear all sounds on the chart. If hearing healthcare professionals use terms that you don't understand, please ask questions.
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