Question 1

What is conductive hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there are problems in the outer ear, ear canal, eardrum or middle ear. It can be caused by any of the following: Ear infection. Fluid in the ears. Malformation or abnormalities of the outer or middle ear. Impacted earwax. Foreign object in the ear. Allergies. Perforated eardrum. Otosclerosis. Benign tumors. Conductive hearing loss is often correctable with surgery or medications (typically antibiotics). Alternatively, it may be treated with hearing aids.

Question 2

What is sensorineural hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Sensorineural hearing loss involves a problem with the inner ear, and is frequently referred to as “nerve deafness.” It may be caused by any of these: Noise exposure. Head trauma. Aging (presbycusis). Viral disease. Autoimmune ear disease. Meniere’s disease. Malformation or abnormality of the inner ear. Otosclerosis. Tumors. Sensorineural hearing loss can sometimes be treated with medications (corticosteroids) or surgery. More likely, hearing aids will be required.

Question 3

What is mixed hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both types. Treatment might involve a combination of medication, surgery and/or hearing aids. In addition to the different types of hearing loss, it is important to consider the extent to which a patient is experiencing symptoms. Hearing loss is further categorized as being either monaural or binaural.

Question 4

What is presbycusis hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

The most common type of hearing loss is presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. Diminished hearing is a common side effect of aging, usually coming on gradually and affecting high-pitched sounds most frequently. It occurs as a result of natural changes in the inner ear of an individual over time due to a variety of reasons including constant, cumulative daily noise exposure; hereditary factors; changes in the blood supply to the ear thanks to heart disease, high blood pressure, vascular conditions and circulatory problems; and side effects of some medications.

Question 5

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common type experienced by younger individuals. It can be caused by exposure to a single loud sound, such as a gunshot or explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud noise over a period of time. When sounds exceed 85 decibels (dB) they are considered hazardous to your hearing health. Continuous exposure to volume levels that high causes permanent damage to the hair cells in your ears. Activities that put people at risk for noise-induced hearing loss include hunting, riding a motorcycle, listening to music at high volumes, playing in a band and attending rock concerts. An estimated 15 percent of Americans aged 20 to 69 have hearing loss that may have been caused by noise exposure. This type of hearing loss can be prevented by wearing earplugs and protective devices.

Types of Hearing Loss

Types of Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Mixed Hearing Loss

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