Did you recently face some challenges in your ability to hear things? Hearing is one of our common senses that helps us connect with the world on an auditory basis. Any loss in this sense can make us feel disconnected from all the wonderful sounds of nature that we once enjoyed—not just the sound of nature but even our ability to communicate with people.
While hearing loss can be depressing, it must be addressed. However, just addressing hearing loss is not enough. You must understand that there are different types of hearing loss, and the treatment varies depending on the type.
What Are The Different Types Of Deafness And Hearing Loss?
The human ear is divided into three parts, the outer, middle, and inner ear. Hearing loss can be caused in any part of the ear. Sometimes hearing loss might be due to some injury to the nerves. Based on the location or cause of the hearing loss it can be broadly divided into four types of hearing loss, which include:
- Conductive hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss is caused when sound waves are stopped from entering the inner ear through the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss can be reversed with the help of medicine or surgery. - Sensorineural hearing loss:
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Typically this type of hearing loss happens due to aging, exposure to loud noise, genetics, and certain medications. - Mixed hearing loss:
As the name suggests mixed hearing loss is a mix of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. - Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder:
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder is a type of hearing loss that occurs when sound enters the ear normally, however, you fail to hear things because there is damage to the inner ear or the hearing nerve.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Hearing involves a complex yet fascinating process that happens due to the synchrony of various structures and nerves. Any damage to any one of them can cause hearing loss. Some common causes of different types of hearing loss include:
- Damage to the inner ear,
- Wax build-up in the ears
- Infection of the ear
- Unusual growth of the bone or tumor on the auditory nerve.
- Rupture of the eardrum
- Age-related hearing loss
- Weakness of nerves
What Are The Symptoms of Different Types of Hearing Loss?
The different types of hearing loss exhibit different symptoms. Based on different types of hearing loss, the symptoms are:
Conductive Hearing Loss Symptoms
- A sensation of fullness in the ears,
- Muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
- Struggle with high-pitched tones.
- Dizziness
- Pain in the ear
- Draining of the ear
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Symptoms
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Muffled hearing
- Sudden or steady loss of hearing
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ear
- Dizziness
- Full sensation in the ear
Mixed Hearing Loss Symptoms
- Difficulty hearing in hearing soft sounds
- Tendency to turn up the volume on electronic devices.
- Difficulty in making out what people are saying, especially in crowded spaces
- You may constantly hear ringing, humming, or hissing noises.
- Pain or fullness in your ear.
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
- Difficulty with your ability to comprehend speech
- Low hearing ability
- Fluctuation of hearing ability, on a day-to-day basis, you hear better one day and again face difficulty in hearing the other day.
What Is The Treatment Approach For 4 Types Of Hearing Loss?
The treatment approach for 4 types of hearing loss depends on various factors. The common treatment approach for hearing loss includes:
Intervention Services
- Early Intervention (0-3 years):
Hearing loss can affect your child’s speech, language, and social development. However, with early intervention services, you can significantly improve their hearing outcomes. The results of early intervention services in young children who are younger than 3 years are good. Research shows that children who receive early intervention services early, ideally before six months of age are more likely to develop strong communication skills. - Special Education (3-22 years):
Special education provides tailored instruction for young adults with hearing disability. The main aim of special education is to help older children with hearing disability meet their developmental and educational needs.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology helps people fix hearing impairment by using technology. These tools do not cure hearing loss but they may help you hear better. Some technology, that can help include:
- Hearing aids
- Bone-anchored hearing aids
- Cochlear or brainstem implants
- Other assistive devices like Frequency Modulation (FM) Systems, audio loop systems, etc.
Medications and Surgery
Medications or surgery can help in curing hearing loss. Corticosteroids can help in managing inflammation which may cause hearing loss.
Surgery can help to reverse conductive hearing loss by clearing any obstruction that prevents sound waves from entering the inner ear. Surgery can also help in removing any overgrowth on the auditory nerve that is causing hearing loss.
Some assistive technology may also require surgery like placing cochlear or brainstem implants to enhance hearing.
How Can You Maintain Healthy Hearing?
Hearing is one of the five senses that God has given us and is considered an essential sense for our survival and communication. You must take care of your hearing. Here are a few tips that you can incorporate into your daily lives that can help you avoid any damage to your hearing:
- Limit noise exposure. Avoid loud environments or take breaks from noise.
- Wear earplugs or earmuffs at concerts, clubs, and noisy workplaces.
- Prevent water from entering the ears to avoid infections. Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering.
- Avoid Cotton Swabs as they can push wax deeper, causing blockages.
- If wax buildup affects hearing, consult a doctor for removal.
- Schedule hearing tests, especially after age 50, based on what type of hearing loss test you need.
Conclusion
Hearing is one of the senses that helps us to connect to the world through sounds. Acknowledging and understanding different types of hearing loss can help you seek better treatment and support. While hearing loss can be challenging, there are solutions like medicines and surgery that can reverse this condition. If your hearing loss cannot be reversed there are assistive devices that can help you. Protect your ears, seek timely help, and take proactive steps to maintain your hearing health.
If you are looking for medical help to help you reverse your hearing loss we can help you. Our team at Know Your Health can help you find a good otolaryngologist near you. Please contact us today for your healthcare and treatment needs.
