Hearing loss

Millions of Americans are affected by hearing loss, but few ever seek treatment. While there are many reasons that people lose their hearing, there are two main types of hearing loss.

 Conductive Hearing Loss

• Conductive hearing loss occurs when the mechanism s of the inner ear function properly, but sound waves are blocked, not allowing them to reach the inner ear. Some of the reasons this type of hearing loss can occur are otitis media (middle ear infections), otosclerosis (the inability of tiny mid-ear bones to move), or blockage caused by earwax or fluid.

 Sensorineural Hearing Loss

• Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type of hearing loss in adults, occurs when the nerve pathways or the inner ear become damaged. This damage generally occurs due to the natural passage of time. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent but responds well to treatment with hearing aids. This type of hearing loss can be attributed to being exposed to loud noises for extended lengths of time, or to presbycusis. Presbycusis is the damage that is caused by the aging process on the cochlea.