Different Types of Hearing Loss

Different Types of Hearing Loss Though small, ear is one of the most complex and delicate organs in the body. It converts tiniest of disturbances into a form that the brain can comprehend that too instantly and clearly. However, this amazing capability of the ear can be affected by any kind of illness or injury. This would lead to partial or total inability to hear sound. The following are the different types of hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss In this type of hearing loss, the disorders in the outer and middle ear obstruct the smooth transmission of sound waves to the inner ear. Hence, the patient hears only faint or distorted sound. Infection, scarring, wax build-up, tumors, Otosclerosis, fluid in the middle ear are some of the causes of conductive hearing loss. In this type of hearing loss, medical or surgical treatment can help in treating most of the cases.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss This type of hearing loss is the result of damaged inner ear nerves. Because of which sound signals are not properly transmitted to the brain. Though patients hear sound it would be incomprehensible. The causes of sensorineural hearing loss are aging, injury, exposure to excessive noise, meningitis, stroke, tumors, diabetes, Meniere’s disease, and heredity factors. It is the most common type of hearing loss that is surgically or medically incurable. The only way out is hearing aids. If noise is an occupational hearing loss, then noise-cancelling earplugs are very effective. These are safety earmuffs that reduce background noise to comfortable levels and enable face to face, two-way or Bluetooth cell phone communication all without the need to remove hearing protection.

Central Hearing Loss Central haring loss is the result of problems in the central nervous system especially the brain.

As a result, the patient can hear sound perfectly but is unable to interpret what is being said.

There is no possible treatment for this condition.

Functional Hearing Loss In this type of hearing loss, even though the patients have normal hearing they do not hear or respond properly. The reason for this is any emotional or psychological factor. Unless and until the root cause for the emotional problem is found out, no kind of treatment is effective. This can aggravate the condition.

Mixed Hearing Loss If the patient suffers from both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss then it is referred to as mixed hearing loss. In such a situation, the treatment for curing conductive hearing loss prevention is given, as effective treatment is available only for it.

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