What are the types of hearing loss and some causes?
• Conductive • Sensorineural • Mixed Conductive Hearing Loss Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear, including eustachian tube malfunction or a defect in the ossicular chain. In most cases, conductive hearing loss affects the lower frequencies or pitches and makes it difficult to hear vowel sounds. Since vowels contain the “power of speech” the patient perceives speech and other sounds as being much “quieter” than normal. Conductive hearing loss can often be medically treated. Disorders of the Outer Ear That Can Cause Conductive Hearing Loss • Blockage of the External Ear Canal: Blockage of the external ear canal by either accumulated ear wax (cerumen) or a foreign body can produce a conductive hearing loss. If the obstruction is complete, it will prevent sound energy from reaching the eardrum. • Bone Growths in the External Ear Canal: Growths of the bony external ear canal can occur as osteomas, which are protrusions of bone extending from the walls
• Conductive • Sensorineural • Mixed Conductive Hearing Loss Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear, including eustachian tube malfunction or a defect in the ossicular chain. In most cases, conductive hearing loss affects the lower frequencies or pitches and makes it difficult to hear vowel sounds. Since vowels contain the “power of speech” the patient perceives speech and other sounds as being much “quieter” than normal. Conductive hearing loss can often be medically treated. Sensorineural Hearing Loss Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss and is caused by damage to the inner ear and/or the auditory nerve. Noise exposure, diseases, certain medications and aging can destroy parts of the inner ear and cause permanent hearing loss. Once damaged, the inner ear cannot be repaired. With sensorineural hearing loss, the entire cochlea is seldom damaged.
