Types & Causes
of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss causes and corresponding challenges
In hearing loss, the ear is not functioning properly, resulting in the brain not receiving sounds to interpret. This is often a very gradual process, so we don’t always notice how sounds become fainter over time. In fact, we may even start to forget some of the sounds we were once so used to hearing.
There are many different reasons why we lose our hearing, but the most common are due to the natural aging process and prolonged exposure to noise. Other causes include ear infections, genetic predisposition, head injuries, certain medications and even some illnesses.
Whatever the cause, hearing loss has a big impact on our families, social lives and work abilities, as it interferes with our speaking and listening. Because of this, hearing loss can be isolating, and those who experience it may begin to withdraw from social situations or normal communication. Another effect of hearing loss is a reduced ability to distinguish speech from noise, which may have you feeling that you hear completely fine in quiet situations, but not noisy ones. It’s also possible that high-pitched sounds, like birdsong, may disappear altogether.
Thankfully, if you have hearing loss, there is something you can do about it. Regular use of hearing aids can improve relationships with others, boost confidence in social interactions and increase your overall quality of life. Working with an experienced hearing care practitioner, such as those at our Beltone Hearing Aid Centers, will help you determine the cause of your hearing loss and create a customized treatment for you.
Types of hearing loss
The type of hearing loss is determined by the part of the ear in which the impairment occurs, not necessarily the cause of the hearing loss. In general, there are three different types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss
A conductive hearing loss is often temporary and can sometimes be corrected with wax removal, medication or surgery. Conductive loss stems from problems in the outer or middle ear and can be caused by:
- Infection
- Buildup of wax or fluid
- Punctured eardrum
- Otosclerosis – an abnormal bone development in the middle ear
Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss, accounting for 90% of all adult hearing problems. This form of hearing loss is typically best treated by regular use of hearing aids. Although the cause is not always known, it is often related to aging and a history of noise exposure. With sensorineural loss:
- There are problems with the cochlea and the auditory nerve
- Sounds not only diminish in volume, but become distorted
- The ability to hear high-pitched sounds is usually affected first
- The ability to hear low-pitched sounds, such as vowel sounds, may be normal or relatively well-preserved
Mixed hearing loss
With mixed hearing loss, both conductive and sensorineural losses occur at the same time. In these cases, you may need treatment such as wax removal, medication or surgery, in addition to hearing aids.
Degrees of hearing loss
Measured in degrees, hearing loss is divided into levels that are based on a person’s auditory thresholds, or the softest sounds (decibels) they can hear.
Temporary hearing loss
There are times when a hearing loss is temporary. This is a common occurrence and can be caused by any of the following:
- Excessive earwax
- Ear infections
- Allergies
- Sinus problems
- Certain medications
To find out if you or someone you love has a hearing loss, please contact a hearing care professional at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center nearest you.