Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss

March 9, 2010 | Author: | Posted in Ears & Hearing

Many people want to group all hearing loss together as if each patient’s problem is the same. However, there are many types of the problem, and determining which type from which one suffers will have a direct impact on the treatment that they will need to receive. If you or a loved one is suffering from hearing loss, the first step will be to determine the type and extent of the problem. While a qualified professional will make the proper diagnosis, you can have a better understanding of it if you are already aware of what it could be.

Below, you will find the information you need on the different types of hearing problems that occur. This will make it easier for you to understand the professional diagnosis you will receive.

Conductive Loss. This is a common type that can either be temporary or permanent, depending upon the problem that caused it. This hearing loss comes from a problem with the ability to conduct sound from the outside world to the ear. Some temporary issues that can lead to this type of hearing loss include buildup of earwax and inner ear infections. More permanent causes of the loss can come from a malformed ear canal, which can result from injury or birth defect.

Sensorineural. This type is the most common kind of hearing loss that is permanent. This is the type that comes from a problem for the ear to translate sounds to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss can come from the natural process of aging, but can also come from certain diseases, injuries or drugs. In addition, constant exposure to loud sounds can also lead to this type of loss.

Unilateral. This has more to do with the person’s two ears. When someone suffers from unilateral loss, they are able to hear perfectly fine in one of their ears but suffer from loss in the other ear. This type of problem can come from a genetic disorder, affecting a patient from birth. It can also stem from head trauma or brain injury.

After determining the type of hearing loss, the degree of the loss will need to be determined. This will be done with a series of tests, which will determine a patient’s ability to hear different levels of sounds at different pitches and tones. When the degree of the loss is determined, the professional will be able to help a patient decide the best way to approach correction, either through hearing aids or surgery.

When someone suffers from the loss of hearing, whether from recent injury or from something that has plagued them since birth, it is important to know that help can be found. Whether you are the one who suffers or it is someone you love, you need to know that the first step is to determine the type of hearing loss and how bad it actually is. Then, you will be able to determine the way to correct it properly. There is a whole world out there to hear, no one should miss it.

Miracle Ear hearing aids offer you with the ability to hear clearly again. Whether you’re conversing with an old friend, at the movies or just watching television with family at home, Miracle Ear hearing aids ensures you can hear everything clearly.

Article Source

Author:

This author has published 74 articles so far. More info about the author is coming soon.

Leave a Reply

Page optimized by WP Minify WordPress Plugin