What Are the Different Types of Hearing Loss That Exist?

Are you experiencing a decline in your hearing? About one in every eight people over the age of twelve in the United States has hearing loss in both ears, so you’re not alone. 

But what’s causing your hearing loss? Different types of hearing loss have different causes and treatment methods, and not all types of hearing loss are permanent.

Keep reading to learn about several potential causes of your hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It means that sound can not go through the middle and outer ear in order to reach your inner ear.

You’ll still hear some sounds, but they can be muffled and may feel distant. You won’t be able to hear quiet sounds at all unless your hearing loss is relatively minor. 

Many types of conductive hearing loss are temporary. Fluid in your ears from the common cold and other common health issues can be a cause of hearing loss that will go away as soon as your illness clears up.

Ear infections can cause conductive hearing loss, as can a buildup of earwax. If you get something stuck in your ear, it can also cause conductive hearing loss.

That said, the problem can also be harder to fix. If you have a hole in your eardrum, a genetic middle or outer ear defect, or poor Eustachian tube function, you may develop conductive hearing loss.  

Medication and surgery are both valid options for conductive hearing loss. Visit a local ear doctor for optimal health. 

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is a more serious type of hearing loss most of the time.

Unlike conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss starts with the inner ear. If you damage the inner ear, it will no longer be able to function. This type of hearing loss may be complete hearing loss or it might be the same as conductive hearing loss where you hear muffled sounds. 

This type of hearing loss can be genetic or stem from serious illnesses. It’s also a natural part of aging for some people. 

A common cause of sensorineural hearing loss is frequent exposure to loud noises. If you don’t wear earplugs when you’re at loud concerts or near heavy machinery, you might develop sensorineural hearing loss.

Often, sensorineural hearing loss starts with tinnitus and then develops into full hearing loss. Learn more about tinnitus here: https://wichitafallshearing.com/what-causes-tinnitus/. 

There is no cure for sensorineural hearing loss most of the time. If it gets in the way of your day-to-day life, you may be able to get a hearing aid to help. 

Have You Experienced These Types of Hearing Loss?

Both types of hearing loss can be debilitating. If you’re experiencing hearing loss that extends beyond your recovery from a cold or ear infection, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional.

They’ll be able to recommend treatment options (if applicable) so you can get your hearing back. 

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