Confronting Hearing Loss
Discover the impact of hearing loss on your daily life and explore effective solutions to improve your hearing. Our team of experienced audiologists is here to help you regain your quality of life.
Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from reaching the inner ear. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common type of hearing loss we see and is typically caused by aging, ear infections or noise exposure. This type of loss is typically progressive and treated by using hearing aids with a personalized prescription to match the hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is less common and involves some obstruction or problem in the middle ear. Although hearing aids are a typical treatment, one would typically need to see an ENT to make sure there wasn't a medical treatment or other intervention available.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing losses. This means there is inner ear damage and an issue in the middle ear. While hearing aids are often the treatment, one typically needs an evaluation with an ENT doctor first.
Common Causes of
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be caused by various factors such as aging, noise exposure, infections, and genetics. Learn more about these common causes and how they can affect your hearing.
Aging
As we age, the delicate structures in our ears can deteriorate, leading to hearing loss.
Noise Exposure
Exposure to loud noises over time can damage the hair cells in the inner ear.
Ear Infections
Over time, ear infections can damage the hair cells in our inner ear, resulting in hearing loss.
Medications
Certain medications are ototoxic, meaning they can cause hearing loss over a long period of use.
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Hearing loss can be caused by various factors such as aging, exposure to loud noise, ear infections, and certain medications.
A hearing test, also known as audiometry, is conducted to evaluate the extent and type of hearing loss.
Depending on the cause and severity of the hearing loss, treatment options may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or assistive listening devices.
Protecting your ears from loud noises, avoiding prolonged exposure to loud music, and using earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments can help prevent hearing loss.
In some cases, hearing loss can be reversible, such as when it is caused by earwax blockage or certain medications. However, most types of hearing loss are permanent.
