TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss can happen regardless of age and sex. It can happen as a result of head injury, loud noise, ear infections, or as a part of the aging process. Despite a variety of causes, hearing loss generally falls into one of three categories, depending on which section of the ear is affected.
CONDUCTIVE hearing loss occurs when there is a breakdown of sound transference in the outer or middle ear. Excess wax, a hole in the eardrum, or an ear infection can cause conductive hearing loss. This type of loss can often be treated medically or surgically if caught in time. If medical treatment cannot completely resolve the hearing loss, hearing aids may be indicated. The prognosis of successful hearing aid use is typically very good with conductive hearing loss.
SENSORINEURAL hearing loss occurs when the inner ear and/or the nerve of hearing (auditory nerve) do not properly send the sound information to the brain. Aging, exposure to loud sounds, head injuries, and certain medications are some of the causes of this type of loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent. The prognosis of successful hearing aid use is dependent on the degree of hearing loss.
MIXED hearing loss, as the name implies, is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
KUMC Audiology Clinic
Mail Stop 3039
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, Kansas 66160
Phone: 913-588-5730 | TDD: 913-588-7963
email: Diana Solano
