When a patient comes into our office and describes the problems they are having with their hearing, we generally hear something like this: “Things do not sound loud enough”, “Things do not sound clear enough”, or “Things do not sound loud enough or clear enough”. The next step is to try to find out why. We start out with a hearing test, which will give us an idea of the type of hearing loss and the best way to proceed with helping the patient hear better.
Hearing loss can be caused by many factors, but it falls into three main categories: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural. Sensorineural hearing loss usually involves damage to the inner ear or cochlea, or damage to the nerve pathways. This generally is loss that is caused by aging, genetics, or noise exposure. It is not reversible but it is treatable with hearing aids. Depending on the degree of loss and the ability of the patient to process speech, hearing aids can help in restoring nearly normal hearing. Other patients, who have difficulty processing speech, still have a favorable outcome but may require more advanced background noise reduction technology along with counseling on reasonable expectations after being fit with hearing aids.
Conductive hearing loss usually indicates an issue in the middle or outer ear. This type of loss can be caused by fluid behind the eardrum, problems with the tiny bones in the middle ear or ear wax in the ear canal. Conductive hearing loss many times can be corrected by seeking treatment from an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist.
The third type of loss is a mixed hearing loss. This is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing losses. Many times people with a mixed loss will work in conjunction with an ENT and a hearing aid provider for the best treatment outcome.
If you suspect that you have a hearing loss, it’s best to get scheduled for a hearing test. If the loss has occurred suddenly, then it’s recommended that you seek medical attention immediately.
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