Are there different types of hearing loss?
Did you know there are different types of hearing loss? It turns out, in order for your Portland audiologist to create a customized treatment plan, they must determine your type and degree of hearing loss.
There are three kinds of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural and mixed.
- Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem with the outer or middle ear. This could be caused by a buildup of fluid within the middle ear, an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, impacted earwax or a malformation of the outer ear. Basically, anything that prevents a sound wave from entering the ear and reaching the inner ear is categorized as conductive hearing loss. Fortunately, this type of hearing loss is usually only temporary and can be corrected through medical or surgical means by ENT physicians in Portland, Oregon.
- Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by an issue with the inner ear or the auditory nerve that connects the ear to the brain. Exposure to loud noises, aging and a virus or disease can cause this type of hearing loss. While this type of hearing loss is usually permanent, it can often be successfully treated with the use of a hearing aid.
- The third type is mixed hearing loss. As you can probably gather from the name, this type of hearing loss is a combination of conductive hearing and sensorineural hearing loss. This means that in one ear you have an issue with the outer or middle ear and the inner ear. Treatment for this type of hearing loss requires your Portland audiologist to address the cause of the conductive hearing loss first before moving on to treating the sensorineural loss.
The earlier hearing loss is identified and treated, the better the outcome. If you or a loved one is showing signs of hearing loss, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your Portland audiologist.
