Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Also known as nerve deafness, this type of hearing loss involves the deterioration of the inner ear. The tiny hairs that line the ear passage, and which carry sound, have been damaged. This type of hearing loss is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to high volume levels, bacterial and viral infections, fluid build-up, sudden trauma to the ear, and the normal aging process. Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be treated with medication or surgery. Hearing instruments are the best way to treat sensorineural hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs when the inner ear does not properly receive signal signs. This type of hearing loss can be caused by injury to the middle ear or ear canal. Conductive hearing loss can best be treated through medication and/or surgery. If surgery or medication is not an option for you, hearing instruments can be an excellent solution to your hearing problem.
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How
do we hear? |
Signs of hearing loss may take years to develop, or they may show up very suddenly. Either way, it can make everyday life more difficult. If you answer yes to several of the questions below, you may have a hearing loss. Contact a hearing health professional in your area for more information.
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Do
you ...
Require frequent repetition of words?
Have difficulty following conversations involving more than two people?
Think others sound muffled or like they're mumbling?
Have difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like conferences, restaurants,
malls, or
crowded meeting rooms?
Have trouble hearing children and/or women?
Have TV or radio turned up to a high volume?
Answer or respond inappropriately in conversations?
Have ringing in the ears?
Read lips or more intently watch people's faces when they speak?
Feel stressed from straining to hear what others are saying?
Feel annoyed
at other people because you cannot hear or understand them?
Withdraw from social situations that you once enjoyed because of difficulty
hearing?
Have a family history of hearing loss?
Take medications that can harm the hearing system (ototoxic drugs)?
Have diabetes, heart, circulation or thyroid problems?
Have been exposed to very loud sounds over a long period or single exposure
to
explosive noise?
