Hearing loss can happen because of different parts of the ear. Hearing loss happens when a certain part of the air isn’t working in the way that it should. There are four specific types of hearing loss that your audiologist can help you manage and treat.
Auditory Processing Disorders
Auditory Processing Disorders happen when the brain has trouble processing any information contained in sound. If someone has an auditory processing disorder, they may have issues understanding speech and working out where sounds are coming from.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This occurs when there is an issue with the outer or middle ear which interferes with passing sound to the inner ear. Conductive Hearing Loss may be caused by things such as:
- Too Much Earwax
- Ear Infections
- Punctured Eardrum
- Fluid Build-up
- Abnormal Bone Growth, such as Otosclerosis
Surgery and some specific types of hearing technologies can be used to treat Conductive Hearing Loss, such as:
- Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
- Bone Anchored Hearing Devices
- Middle Ear Implants
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This occurs when the cochlea, which is the hearing organ, and/or the auditory nerve is either damaged or malfunctions and is unable to accurately send information to the brain. This is almost always permanent.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss can be caused by:
- Genetics
- Natural Aging Process
- Diseases
- Accidents
- Exposure to Loud Noises
- Certain Chemicals or Medications
Technologies such as Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants, and Hybrid Cochlear Implants can help to reduce the effects of Sensorineural Hearing Loss.