Hearing loss is characterized by the inability to hear sounds coming from the environment. Studies say that 1 in 10 people are affected by hearing loss of different degrees. The degree of hearing loss means the extent of damage. It can range from mild to profound, and can be helped by the use of devices designed to enhance a person's ability to hear.
Types of hearing loss:
- The inability to hear faint sounds is called Conductive Hearing Loss. This is where the bones in the middle ear or the incus, malleus and stapes do not receive sound from the external ear.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss is when damage has occurred to the inner ear or cohea. The cochea is the auditory nerve that sends electrical impulses to the brain. Damage to this nerve results in permanent hearing loss as it can no longer send impulses to the brain for interpretation.
- Mixed Hearing Loss is a combination of both previously mentioned disorders. It occurs when damage happens to the outer, inner and middle ear.
- Central hearing Loss is when a tumor or abnormality is present in the brain or a non-malignant tumor is present in the ear canal causing sound not to be sent to the brain.
- There is also unilateral loss of hearing, meaning that hearing deficit is located in just one ear.
How Hearing Loss Occurs:
There are a variety of reasons that causes one to not hear sounds. These causes of hearing loss include:
- Loud sudden noises such as an explosion or airbag deployment - Family history (Genetics) - Repeated ear infections - Chronic illness such as diabetes - Puncture of the eardrum - Excessive Ear wax - Blockages such as ear wax, fluid, or mechanical obstruction - Lesions (tumors) - Trauma to the head - Viruses - Constant exposure to loud noises
The extent of the damage or hearing lost is determined by the degree of severity. In order to determine this, specialists will perform specific tests in order to discover the cause, type, location and degree of hearing loss. These tests include:
- The tuning fork or Weber's Test
- Air and Bone Conduction Testing. Also referred to as the Rinne Test
- Audiogram - measures hearing levels
- Speech testing
Treatment and Surgical procedures for hearing loss:
- A Hearing Aid Device
- Myringotomy: A small incision is made in the ear drum and a tiny tube is inserted to drain the ear of a buildup of fluid.
- Stapedectomy: Surgical manipulation of the stapes bone or complete replacement is performed.
- Complete removal of a diseased Mastoid bone or the reconstruction of the eardrum also referred to as Tympanoplasty and Mastoid surgery.
- Translabyrinthine surgery: Is the removal of acoustic neuromas (tumors).
- The removing of small tumors via a surgical procedure is referred to as Middle Fossa and Retrosigmoid.
It is imperative that you seek the aid of a hearing specialist if you believe you are experiencing some form of hearing loss. They will be able to perform tests to determine the type, cause, location and degree of the loss and prescribe the correct treatment.
Types of hearing loss:
- The inability to hear faint sounds is called Conductive Hearing Loss. This is where the bones in the middle ear or the incus, malleus and stapes do not receive sound from the external ear.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss is when damage has occurred to the inner ear or cohea. The cochea is the auditory nerve that sends electrical impulses to the brain. Damage to this nerve results in permanent hearing loss as it can no longer send impulses to the brain for interpretation.
- Mixed Hearing Loss is a combination of both previously mentioned disorders. It occurs when damage happens to the outer, inner and middle ear.
- Central hearing Loss is when a tumor or abnormality is present in the brain or a non-malignant tumor is present in the ear canal causing sound not to be sent to the brain.
- There is also unilateral loss of hearing, meaning that hearing deficit is located in just one ear.
How Hearing Loss Occurs:
There are a variety of reasons that causes one to not hear sounds. These causes of hearing loss include:
- Loud sudden noises such as an explosion or airbag deployment - Family history (Genetics) - Repeated ear infections - Chronic illness such as diabetes - Puncture of the eardrum - Excessive Ear wax - Blockages such as ear wax, fluid, or mechanical obstruction - Lesions (tumors) - Trauma to the head - Viruses - Constant exposure to loud noises
The extent of the damage or hearing lost is determined by the degree of severity. In order to determine this, specialists will perform specific tests in order to discover the cause, type, location and degree of hearing loss. These tests include:
- The tuning fork or Weber's Test
- Air and Bone Conduction Testing. Also referred to as the Rinne Test
- Audiogram - measures hearing levels
- Speech testing
Treatment and Surgical procedures for hearing loss:
- A Hearing Aid Device
- Myringotomy: A small incision is made in the ear drum and a tiny tube is inserted to drain the ear of a buildup of fluid.
- Stapedectomy: Surgical manipulation of the stapes bone or complete replacement is performed.
- Complete removal of a diseased Mastoid bone or the reconstruction of the eardrum also referred to as Tympanoplasty and Mastoid surgery.
- Translabyrinthine surgery: Is the removal of acoustic neuromas (tumors).
- The removing of small tumors via a surgical procedure is referred to as Middle Fossa and Retrosigmoid.
It is imperative that you seek the aid of a hearing specialist if you believe you are experiencing some form of hearing loss. They will be able to perform tests to determine the type, cause, location and degree of the loss and prescribe the correct treatment.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a Licensed Registered Nurse who writes and shares her knowledge with others. She is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she shared more information about Causes of Hearing Loss and Conductive Hearing Loss Type.
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