What Is Hearing Loss ?

There are two main types of hearing loss:

Conductive hearing loss

results from diseases or disorders that limit the transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear. This hearing loss can often be treated medically or surgically. In some cases, a hearing instrument can provide sufficient hearing improvement.

Sensorineural hearing loss

affects the inner ear or neural pathways. In this case, sound is transmitted through the outer and middle ear, but the inner ear is less efficient in transmitting the sound, usually due to damages to the fine haircells inside the cochlea. This leads to reduced perception of sound intensity and quality. This type of hearing loss is usually compensated with a hearing instrument that amplifies sound to overcome the decrease in hearing sensitivity.

Causes of hearing loss

There are many factors that may affect your hearing, including:

• Long term exposure to noise
• Hereditary conditions
• Illness
• Reactions to medications and medical treatments
• Injury
• Ear wax
• Aging

Effects of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects a great number of people around the world in a variety of ways. Over time, hearing loss can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, and loneliness. So by leaving a hearing impairment untreated, this physical condition may also become a psychological one.