In our previous post we talked about hearing loss as well as the interpretation of the audiogram. Today's blog post explains the different types of hearing losses as well as what to do when a specific hearing loss is diagnosed.
There are three types of hearing losses:
Conductive Hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing loss.
Mixed Hearing loss.
* A Conductive Hearing Loss occurs when sound can't be conducted through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear. There are numerous conditions that could cause a conductive hearing loss, some of these conditions include; impacted wax, outer and middle ear infections, otitis media, perforations of the eardrum etc.
When a conductive hearing loss is diagnosed the patient will be referred to a General Practitioner or Ear-Nose and Throat Specialist for further examination and treatment. This type of hearing loss could be partially or completely reversed by medical intervention.
*A Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs when the inner ear is damaged. This type of hearing loss is permanent and could be caused by ageing, exposure to excessive noise, genetics, ototoxic medications, etc. A sensorineural hearing loss is treatable by hearing aids or cochlear implant devices.
* A Mixed Hearing Loss occurs when there is damage to the outer or middle ear as well as the inner ear. This type of hearing loss will warrant a referral to a General Practitioner or Ear-Nose and Throat Specialist for the conductive component of the hearing loss. The sensorineural component of the hearing loss could be treated by means of amplification.
Have a look at the image below for an overview of the different types of hearing losses, if you are concerned about you hearing it is recommended that you contact your audiologist immediately.
Please do not hesitate to contact us on aretha@abaudiology.co.za or 060 737 3787 for any further questions.
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