Have you been feeling like your hearing is degrading? It could be that you’re experiencing hearing loss.
Everybody experiences some level of hearing loss as they age, but there are other causes as well. Some possible causes of hearing loss include medical conditions, medications, and exposure to loud noises.
Keeping track of your symptoms and visiting a doctor when they occur can help identify the true cause of your hearing loss. Knowing what kind of hearing loss you have can also help you get the right kind of treatment.
Here are some of the different types of hearing loss and how to treat them. Read on!
Different Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be divided into three categories. These are Sensorineural, Conductive, and Mixed Hearing Loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It can range from mild to profound and affect one or both ears.
The most commonly reported type of sensorineural hearing loss is high-frequency hearing loss. This is where sufferers cannot perceive sound frequencies above a certain level.
A variety of factors can cause this type of hearing loss. This includes aging, genetic predisposition, and exposure to loud noise. Certain medications, a head injury or infection, and complications from diabetes can also cause this.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when a problem in the outer or middle ear prevents sound from being effectively conducted to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss can be caused by a build-up of earwax and fluid in the middle ear.
It can also be caused by a blockage that stops sound waves from entering the ear.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. An underlying medical condition like a chronic ear infection usually causes it. It can also be caused by the growth or tumor on the auditory nerve and genetic disorders such as Alport syndrome.
Due to this, the sound is blocked from passing through the external auditory canal or cochlea to the inner ear.
How to Get Treatment
Hearing loss treatment may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, other assistive listening devices, and surgery. Surgery may be recommended to repair inner ear damage or correct an anatomical issue, such as a hole in the eardrum.
It is essential to seek medical attention. This way, you can get a proper diagnosis for hearing loss and create a plan for effective treatment.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are not suitable for every type of hearing loss. Some hearing losses may not be medically correctable.
For some, auditory training or speech-language therapy may also be recommended. They can help the person adjust to hearing loss and learn communication strategies. An audiologist can help assess the degree of hearing loss and explore potential treatment options.
For your hearing needs, you may consider Beltone. They can provide assistive listening devices and hearing aids to improve your hearing abilities and overcome your hearing struggles. Find Beltone locations here to get started with your appointment.
Protect Your Hearing Today
Hearing loss, though a common issue, should not go untreated. Various treatments are available, depending on the cause and types of hearing loss that are affected.
Whether you suffer from Sensorineural, Conductive, or Mixed hearing loss, seeking professional treatment is the best action. Get your hearing assessed and take steps to protect your hearing today!
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