Yes! There are three distinct types of hearing loss. While this may seem like a trivial point to note, each type of hearing loss is treated differently. Before your audiologist can help you improve your quality of life through better hearing, they must first determine your type of hearing loss. There are three types: conductive, sensorineural and mixed.
Three Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem with your outer or middle ear, such as:
- A buildup of fluid within the middle ear
- An ear infection
- A perforated eardrum
- Impacted earwax
- A malformation of the outer ear
Simply put, anything that prevents a sound wave from entering the ear and reaching the inner ear falls under the conductive hearing loss umbrella. For most Houstonians, this type of hearing loss is only temporary. It can be corrected through medical or surgical means.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by an issue with the inner ear or the auditory nerve that connects the ear to the brain. The most common causes are:
- Exposure to loud noises
- Aging
- A virus or disease
Unlike conductive hearing loss, this type of hearing loss is permanent. Fortunately for you, your Houston audiologist can usually create a treatment plan that involves the use of a hearing aid.
Mixed Hearing Loss
The third type is mixed hearing loss. As the name suggestion, this kind of hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural. Those with this type of hearing loss will have an issue with their outer or middle ear and their inner ear. In order to treat this type of hearing loss, your audiologist will first identify the cause of the conductive hearing loss before moving on to the sensorineural loss.
If you are suffering from hearing loss and are finally ready to do something about it, now is the time. Contact your local Houston audiologist to start the process.
