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BAHAMA HEARING CLINIC RESOURCES

Hearing Loss


Hearing loss is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when one or more parts of the ear or auditory system aren’t working correctly. Understanding the types of hearing loss can help you identify the signs and seek appropriate treatment.

There are three primary types of hearing loss:



Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Cause: Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type and occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain.

Common Causes:

  • Aging (presbycusis)

  • Noise exposure

  • Head trauma

  • Genetics

  • Certain medications (ototoxic drugs)

Characteristics:

  • Permanent hearing loss

  • Typically affects high-pitched sounds

  • Often treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants

Symptoms:

  • Difficulty hearing in noisy environments

  • Trouble understanding speech, especially high-pitched voices




Conductive Hearing Loss

Cause: Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not properly conducted through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. This type can often be temporary or treatable.

Common Causes:

  • Ear infections (otitis media)

  • Earwax buildup

  • Fluid in the middle ear

  • Eardrum perforation

  • Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the ear)

Characteristics:

  • Sound seems muffled or faint

  • Can often be improved with medical treatment (e.g., surgery, medication)

Symptoms:

  • Feeling of blocked or plugged ears

  • Difficulty hearing faint sounds




Mixed Hearing Loss

Cause: Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It involves both damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve and a physical blockage or problem in the outer or middle ear.

Common Causes:

  • Head trauma

  • Chronic ear infections

  • A combination of age-related and conductive issues

Characteristics:

  • Partly treatable through medical procedures for the conductive component

  • Hearing aids or implants may be recommended for the sensorineural part

 

Symptoms:

  • A mix of symptoms from both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss




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