Hearing loss can be categorized into three main types, based on the location of the problem within the auditory system.
Book an appointment
Visit us at one of our clinics
Find a clinic near you
This kind of hearing loss happens when sound waves can not get through the outer or middle ear. The auditory nerve and inner ear are still working, but the sound can not get to the cochlea.
Some common reasons are:
Impacted earwax (cerumen)
Otosclerosis is when the bones of the middle ear grow in an unusual way.
Eustachian tube problems or fluid buildup
Prognosis:Usually treated with surgery or medicine.
Damage to the inner ear structures, especially the cochlea, or the auditory nerve that sends information to the brain can cause sensorineural hearing loss. It usually lasts forever.
The outer ear consists of the pinna and ear canal.
The middle ear consists of the ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes) and ear drum.
The inner ear consists of the cochlea and the auditory nerve.
3) Hearing loss that is mixed
A person may have both conductive and sensorineural loss at the same time, which means there is a problem with both the middle and inner ear. For instance, someone with age-related sensorineural hearing loss can also have a long-term middle ear infection that causes conductive loss.
Hearing loss, also called hearing impairment, is when you do not hear well in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). It is not only a lack of sensory input; it is a complex problem that affects communication, cognitive development, emotional health, and social integration. Depending on the cause, location, and severity, hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, mild or severe.
