By the time we reach 55, over half of us will have hearing loss.

SOURCE: RNID.ORG.UK

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be classified into three primary types: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most prevalent form and arises from damage to the inner ear nerves or hair cells, often due to aging, exposure to loud noise, or other factors. This type of hearing loss affects the pathways from your inner ear to your brain. Although sensorineural hearing loss generally cannot be cured through medical or surgical means, it can be effectively managed with hearing aids.

Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there are blockages or abnormalities in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from reaching the inner ear. Common causes include fluid build-up, earwax, infections, or abnormal bone growth. This type of hearing loss is often treatable with medication or surgery, making it possible to restore or significantly improve hearing.

Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss combines elements of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It involves damage to both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve, complicating treatment and management strategies.

Understanding the type of hearing loss is crucial for determining the most effective treatment plan and improving overall hearing function.

Hearing loss is categorized into four degrees, each reflecting the severity of hearing impairment:

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Mild Hearing Loss

Individuals with mild hearing loss might catch fragments of speech, especially in quiet environments, but struggle to hear soft sounds or whispers.

Moderate Hearing Loss

Those with moderate hearing loss often find it challenging to understand conversations at normal speaking levels and may need to ask speakers to repeat themselves frequently.

Severe Hearing Loss

People with severe hearing loss may not hear speech at normal volumes and might only detect loud sounds close by.

Profound Hearing Loss

Individuals with profound hearing loss are usually unable to hear most sounds, except for very loud noises, and cannot hear speech at regular levels.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can result from various factors, with natural aging and exposure to loud noise being the most prevalent.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

  • Aging: The natural decline in hearing ability as people age.
  • Noise Exposure: Long-term exposure to loud environments or sudden loud noises.
  • Head Trauma: Injuries affecting the ear or auditory pathways.
  • Viral or Disease: Conditions such as measles, mumps, or meningitis that impact hearing.
  • Genetics: Inherited traits that lead to hearing loss.
  • Ototoxicity: Damage to hearing due to certain medications.

Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

  • Aging and Injury: Degeneration of inner ear structures or physical trauma.
  • Excessive Noise: Prolonged exposure to harmful noise levels.
  • Viral Infections: Illnesses like shingles or measles affecting auditory nerves.
  • Ototoxic Drugs: Medications that can harm auditory cells.
  • Systemic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes, stroke, or hypertension that indirectly affect hearing.
  • Acoustic Tumors and Ménière's Disease: Growth or disorders that directly damage hearing mechanisms.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Obesity and smoking can increase the risk.

Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss

  • Ear Infections: Accumulation of fluid or pus can block sound transmission.
  • Eardrum Issues: Perforation or scarring that impedes sound movement.
  • Wax Buildup or Foreign Objects: Obstructions in the ear canal that prevent sound from passing freely.
  • Ossicle Dislocation: Disruption in the tiny bones of the middle ear.
  • Otosclerosis and Tumours: Abnormal bone growths or other masses in the ear.

Understanding the underlying causes of hearing loss is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Addressing these factors can help mitigate the impact of hearing loss and improve overall auditory health.