If you believe you are experiencing hearing loss, it may help to pinpoint exactly what you have in order to get the proper treatment you need. Here are a few types of hearing loss that you may have.
If you identify with any symptoms, consult a doctor as early as possible.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
The most common type of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, is a permanent hearing loss that results from damage to your auditory nerve. This may block any signals about the noise you perceive in your daily life.
As it is difficult to repair any damage to the auditory nerve, this type of hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Assistive listening devices should help make your day-to-day routines easier.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is a result of damage to the outer and middle ear. This blocks any sound from entering your inner ear. Without the proper treatment, this type of hearing loss could be permanent. To avoid this, get a hearing test as soon as possible.
This can be caused by a number of things. Wax impaction, for instance, is a popular cause of conductive hearing loss. Likewise, untreated ear infections and damages to the ear canal may result in this type of hearing loss.
Depending on the root cause of your conductive hearing loss, treatment may vary. To improve your hearing, you may undergo surgical treatments to repair any damages. If damages are more permanent, implants are a viable treatment as well.
Sudden Hearing Loss
If you suddenly lose hearing on either (or both) ear/s, it’s best to consult a hearing consultant as soon as possible. Earlier prevention will ensure less likelihood of any permanent damages to your ear.
Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, this type of hearing loss is typically caused by trauma to the ear such as blasts and other loud noises. It can also occur when
people with existing hearing loss experience age-related hearing loss.
If you find yourself exhibiting signs of both types of hearing loss, it’s best to seek treatment immediately. As is the case with conductive hearing loss, treatment will vary on a case-by-case basis. You may have to get surgical treatment or will be assigned implants or hearing aids depending on your needs.
Single-Sided Deafness
This type of hearing loss may be acquired over time or present at birth. If you find yourself losing hearing on one side of your ear, then you may have single-sided deafness. Single-sided deafness may be caused by either sensorineural or conductive hearing loss.
For treatment, first, determine the causes of your single-sided deafness. Your treatment procedure will depend on whether it is sensorineural or conductive. It may also depend on how long you have had this type of hearing loss.
Conclusion
Hearing loss can be treatable with the necessary precautions. If you believe that you are exhibiting the signs and symptoms of the types of hearing loss listed above, then it’s best to get it checked.
If you’re looking for a free hearing test in Lexington, Hear More Experts has the best hearing specialists available for consultation. We are a hearing clinic looking to provide resources and treatment for any of your hearing concerns. If you have any of the above signs of hearing loss, consult with us now for immediate treatment.
