Hearing loss is the reduced ability to hear sounds when compared to healthy hearing. Multiple factors can cause hearing loss, which impacts people of all ages. Symptoms of hearing loss include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Increased difficulty understanding speech in background noise
- Ringing in the ears (also known as tinnitus)
- Fatigue
Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type and is caused by damage to the inner ear and/or the hearing nerve. Common causes of sensorineural hearing loss include age, noise exposure, genetics and ototoxic medications. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, but it can be easily managed if treated early enough. Hearing aids are the most effective treatment for this type of hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss is the result of a breakdown in the outer or middle ear system. Common causes of conductive hearing loss include wax impaction, fluid in the middle ear, middle ear infection and damage to the eardrum and/or middle ear bones. Conductive hearing loss can often be reversed with medical intervention.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It is caused by a breakdown in the middle ear system and damage to the inner ear and/or hearing nerve. This type of hearing loss can often be improved with medical intervention for middle ear dysfunction, but usually requires hearing aids to treat the sensorineural component.
If you suspect that you or somebody you love is experiencing hearing loss, contact an audiologist you trust. We have the knowledge and tools to improve your hearing and make your life easier.