There are several types of hearing loss that can occur. The most common type of hearing is sensorineural hearing loss, also known as nerve hearing loss. Over 90% of all patients with hearing loss have this type. A conductive hearing loss is the second most common.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
As mentioned, this is the most common type of hearing loss. People with this type of loss will typically report that they can hear people speaking, but that they can’t understand what they are saying. It sounds as though “everyone is mumbling.” Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and cannot be addressed medically. There is currently no cure. There are many excellent treatment options for patients, hearing aids being the most common.
Possible causes:
- Normal aging process
- Noise exposure
- Use of certain drugs that are known to have a toxic effect on the ear
- Genetic disposition
- Viral infection of the inner ear
- Head injuries
Conductive Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the ear canal, eardrum, or tiny bones of the middle ear. This results in a reduction of the loudness of perceived sound. Medicine and/or surgery can often be used to treat this type of hearing loss. If this is not possible, permanent hearing loss can be compensated with a hearing aid in most cases.
Possible causes:
- Earwax buildup
- Ear infection
- Hole in eardrum
- Disease of the three middle ear bones
Mixed Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs when both a conductive and a sensorineural hearing loss are present. This type of loss may be successfully treated with a combination of medical assistance and use of a hearing device.
Central Hearing Loss
The outer, middle and inner ears allow us to “hear” sound, but our brain is what allows us to “understand” sound. Persons with a central hearing loss can hear sound but have difficulty with understanding or processing the sound that was heard. The pathway that sound takes along the hearing nerve to the brain and how the brain actually processes that sound is very complex. For persons with a central hearing loss, the processing of sound breaks down. This type of loss is commonly referred to as an auditory processing disorder. Various medical issues can cause this type of loss, although advanced age is the most common factor.
Degrees of Hearing Loss
Mild hearing loss
Soft noises are not heard. Understanding speech is difficult in a loud environment.
Moderate hearing loss
Soft and moderately loud noises are not heard. Understanding speech becomes very difficult, especially if background noise is present.
Severe hearing loss
Unable to hear most sounds. Speakers must raise their voice to be heard. Group conversations are possible only with a lot of effort.
Profound hearing loss
Some very loud noises are heard. Without a hearing aid, communication is no longer possible even with intense effort.
