
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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