Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
This is as it sounds - there is trouble getting sound conducted to the inner ear where the nerve for hearing is located. These losses can be caused from simple things, such as ear wax build up or a mild ear infection. They can also be caused by complex situations like ear disease. Many times these issues are correctable with medical intervention and appropriate referrals are made. Those that are not correctable can usually be helped with hearing instruments.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This kind of loss is caused by damage to the hearing nerve (Cranial Nerve VIII) and it is permanent. Except for profound losses where hearing aids are not helpful any more, and a Cochlear Implant is used, there is no medical treatment for this type of hearing loss at this time. Hearing instruments, when properly fit, can be tremendously helpful and allow for an active, unencumbered and excellent quality of life.
Mixed Hearing Loss
This is just as it sounds, a combination of the two above. It is typically permanent because whatever could be done medically has already been accomplished, and the conductive component to the loss is residual and won't go away. Hearing instruments are very successful. Again they must be fit correctly and carefully to get maximum benefit due to the nuances of this "combined-cause" type of hearing loss.
If you believe yourself or a loved one is suffering from hearing loss, contact us to begin a hearing loss treatment plan today!
