Hearing loss describes any reduction in hearing. Hearing loss can make a significant impact on your everyday life, so it’s important to see an ENT specialist and discuss your best treatment options. It might surprise you to know there are a few different types of hearing loss. The type of hearing loss someone experiences depends on what part of the ear is affected. Here’s what to know about them and their causes.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is damage or obstruction to the ear canal or middle ear. This causes an impairment in sound energy passing through the outer and middle ear systems. Common reasons for this type of hearing loss are a plug of excess wax in the ear canal, fluid behind the eardrum, holes in the eardrum, and conditions affecting the mobility of the hearing bones. Some of the symptoms associated with conductive hearing loss are:

• A feeling of pressure or a crawling sensation in the ears
• The ability to hear some sounds while others seem muffled
• A ringing sound in the ears
• Feeling like you have to raise your voice when speaking with someone

Treatment Options

The severity of conductive hearing loss will help determine your treatment options. A hearing aid can be used for minor to moderate hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss can sometimes be temporary, but an ENT specialist can help you explore ways to prevent further damage in the future. Depending on the cause, conductive hearing loss may be reversible. Medical treatment or surgery may be available for this type of hearing loss.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs because of nerve damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve. Unlike conductive loss, sensorineural loss cannot be reversed. Sensorineural loss is typically caused by aging, noise exposure, a simple ear infection, or head trauma. Common symptoms include:

• The ability to hear some sounds while others seem muffled
• A ringing sound in the ears
• Feeling like you have to raise your voice when speaking with someone
• Declining speech comprehension
• Difficulty hearing people with low or hushed voices
• Difficulty understanding speech in quiet environments

Treatment Options

There is no way to reverse the damange from sensorineural hearing loss, but there are certainly options for hearing improvement. Treatment for this type of hearing loss typically starts with a hearing aid. For patients with hearing loss that is too severe for hearing aids, cochlear implantation is considered. Cochlear implants are implantable hearing devices designed to improve speech comprehension and communication.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is when there’s both a conductive and sensorineural issue. It typically occurs due to a previously existing conductive loss getting worse or with an infection in the ear.
It could also happen due to a change in the bones of the jaw and neck that allow for more tissue around the ear to vibrate. The symptoms are identical to the above types of hearing loss.

Treatment Options

The conductive component of mixed hearing loss may be reversible depending on the cause. Medical or surgical treatments may be aimed at improving this. Similar to sensorineural hearing loss, hearing aids may be recommended. For severe degrees of hearing loss, cochlear implants may be recommended. Your ENT specialist can help you determine the underlying causes and better determine the right treatments.

Schedule an Appointment

Hearing loss can be frustrating and life-altering for both the patient and their family. However, nothing is impossible with the right kind of help. Contact AOO|ENT Specialist of the Rockies today and schedule an appointment to help find the right solution for you or your family. You can reach us by calling or filling out our online contact form.