The different types of hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss, whether acquired or congenital, is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear. This causes interference with sound vibration transmission. The causes could be anything from earwax build-ups, infections or growths in the outer ear, eardrum perforations or otosclerosis. Genetics or even a traumatic delivery could cause conductive hearing loss.
Such hearing loss might result in muffled sounding conversations and an inability to discern faint sounds.
Medical or surgical treatment could correct the hearing loss, but hearing instruments could be used when this is not possible.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Up to 90% of hearing loss is due to problems in the inner ear, which may be either in the cochlea or the hearing nerve. Sometimes, it may be both – nerve deafness. Head injuries, birth defects, diseases or certain powerful drugs may be the cause of this type of hearing loss; however, deterioration of the hair cells is the most common cause. Ageing or exposure to loud sound may be the cause of this deterioration.
There are no medical remedies for this type of hearing loss and hearing instruments are relied on.
Mixed hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural problems. Someone with this type of hearing loss is a good candidate for hearing instruments. Not all frequencies are affected equally; hearing loss patterns are unique to all individuals. Loss of high-pitched sounds is greater than for lower-pitched sounds.