Hearing Loss 

Types of Hearing Loss

Your hearing process may be affected by some conditions, causing hearing loss. There are two types of hearing loss - sensorineural and conductive.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural (or "nerve") hearing loss results from damage to the hair cells, nerve fibres or both in the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It is usually caused by ageing or excessive loud noise exposure. Other possible causes include high fever, birth defects and certain medication. People with sensorineural hearing loss can usually hear speech, but lacks clarity. Speech is often difficult to understand and some guessing is involved. This is especially prominent when background noise is present. Sensorineural hearing loss is most commonly treated by the use of a hearing aid, and generally cannot be corrected through surgery or medicine.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is usually due to some blockage in the outer or middle ear. This obstruction reduces the transmission of sound vibration via air, bone or tissue to the inner ear. Fortunately, many conductive hearing losses can be successfully treated by medical or surgical procedures, and sometimes hearing aid.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Persons with both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss are commonly referred to as having mixed hearing loss. Most of these cases can be helped by either a hearing aid or surgery.