Different types of hearing loss 

Different types of hearing loss 

Conductive hearing loss 

This usually occurs when there is hindrance or damage to the middle or outer ear which prevents sounds from being directed to the inner ear. It could be both temporary or permanent. It can also be caused due to heavy buildup of ear wax, infections, anomalous bone growth, and punctured eardrums. It most commonly affects children. 

Sensorineural hearing loss 

Nothing can truly check the interminable progression of hearing loss. However, timely detection, rehabilitation, and care from top-of-the-line medical facilities like Audiologie Centre Ouest can greatly impact the child’s growth and improve the overall quality of life. 

This is one of the most common types of permanent hearing loss that is caused due to abnormalities in the auditory nerve or the minuscule hair-like cells of the inner ear, that thwarts or weakens the transmission of nerve signals to the brain. The nerve signals carry crucial data regarding the intensity and clarity of the sound. It can be caused by a horde of factors like genetics, accidents, diseases, aging, or exposure to high decibels. Surprisingly, it can also be triggered by medications. Auditory neuropathy is yet another form of illness where the nerves that transmit information to the brain are damaged beyond repair. Hearing aids and cochlear implants can assist in reducing the detrimental effects of having sensorineural hearing loss. 

Mixed hearing loss

As the name implies, it is a combination of the above, namely sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. 

Single-sided deafness 

This is deafness caused by only one ear. It may happen at birth or one may eventually lose their hearing over the years. The cause can be conductive or sensorineural, and the treatments can differ based on the patient’s history and nature of hearing loss. 

Regardless of the severity of hearing loss, it is imperative to seek help immediately or it the condition can deteriorate. 

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder 

This is a hearing disorder in which the inner ear functions normally but the nerve does not process the sound, making it difficult to signal the brain. 

A person with mild hearing loss may not hear soft sounds, while patients suffering from moderate hearing loss may miss out on vowels and consonants. The far extreme is severe hearing loss, wherein the person may not hear anything at all when spoken at a normal level, besides loud sounds. Profound hearing loss is almost complete deafness.