Hearing Loss: Overview
Hearing loss is the total or partial inability to hear sound in one or both ears. Hearing loss falls into two major categories. The first category, called conductive hearing loss, occurs in the outer and middle ear, when the transmission of sound vibrations is prevented from reaching the inner ear. Examples of this are having too much wax in the ear, a hole in the eardrum or fluid behind the eardrum. The second category, called sensorineural hearing loss, occurs in the inner ear when sound vibrations are unable to be converted into electrical signals that the brain can process. An example of this is hearing that is diminished or lost due to exposure to loud noise, genetics, medications, or the natural aging process. You and your doctor or hearing professional may discuss the many possible options for improving hearing.
Hearing Loss: Signs of Hearing Loss
Some measurable form of hearing loss occurs as you age. Hearing loss is the third most common disease amongst adults, and it can have a variety of causes. Hearing loss can negatively impact one’s quality of life, personal relationships, and, of course, the ability to communicate. People typically wait seven years between knowing they have a hearing problem and doing something about it, and it is usually a loved one who notices first. There are tens of millions of people throughout the world with some type of hearing loss, and 90 to 95 percent of these cases can be treated successfully with properly fitted hearing aids. If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, see a doctor or hearing professional for a complete evaluation.
Hearing Loss: Mixed
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, which means there is damage in both the middle ear, and inner ear. In a healthy ear, sound travels through the ear canal, where it is then processed by the inner ear and sent to the brain. Mixed hearing loss occurs when the middle and inner ear, are unable to process or send sound vibrations to the brain. For people with mixed hearing loss, sounds can be both softer in volume, and more difficult to understand. Depending on the degree and make-up of mixed hearing loss, it may be treated with medications, surgery, hearing aids, or an implantable bone conduction hearing system.