Arizona Hearing Loss

Types of Hearing Loss

There are essentially two types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural.

A conductive hearing loss is caused by an obstruction or infection in the ear canal. Other causes include a perforation or scarring of the eardrum or middle ear, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Otosclerosis, a fixation or growth on the middle ear bones, is another potential cause of conductive hearing loss. Most conductive hearing losses require medical treatment.

Sensorineural, also known as nerve deafness, is the result of damage to the nerve fibers or hair-like nerve endings in the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by noise exposure, ototoxic medication, diabetes, stroke, and other circulatory diseases. It is also commonly caused by the natural aging process. Hearing aids are usually the best solution to a sensorineural hearing loss problem.

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss:

• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Misunderstanding conversations
• Difficulty understanding children and soft voices
• Turning up the volume on the T.V. or the radio
• Have strained personal relationships
• Social withdrawal
• Feel fatigued and stressed

How We Hear

Click here for a description of how we hear, including the diagrams of the Anatomy of the Ear and the different types of hearing loss.