About The Different Kinds Of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is an extremely common change in our health that will affect up to one-third of us throughout our lifetime. Most of these cases happen to people as they get older, but that is not always the case  What’s more, there are different kinds of hearing loss, and each of them can require a different kind of treatment. Here, we’re going to look at some of the different types and what you should know about them.

Conductive Hearing Loss

This happens when sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear. Common causes include ear infections, earwax buildup, or abnormalities in the ear canal or bones. Treatment for conductive hearing loss often involves medical or surgical intervention to remove the blockage or repair the damaged structures. In cases where surgery is not possible or effective, hearing aids may be prescribed to amplify sound.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

On the other hand, damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve can cause this type of hearing loss. This is the type most commonly associated with aging and makes it vital for you to ensure that you’re getting routine health checks, including with an audiologist, as you get older. This type of hearing loss is typically treated with hearing aids or, in some cases, cochlear implants. The latter is a surgical solution, typically reserved for the most extreme cases of hearing loss.

Mixed Hearing Loss

​Unlike the two separate types, this term applies to a combination of them both. Treatment typically involves addressing the conductive component through medical or surgical means and then using hearing aids or cochlear implants to manage the sensorineural aspect.

Language Processing Disorders

Processing disorders typically do not refer to the mechanisms by which sound has a hard time reaching the brain, but rather, problems that the brain has in interpreting those sounds correctly. With a language processing disorder, the individual typically has difficulties in processing and comprehending language. Not always a hearing issue, specifically, LPDs can also affect spoken language. Treatment typically involves speech and language therapy to improve comprehension and communication skills.

Auditory Processing Disorders

APD is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing the information it receives from the ears. Individuals with APD may have normal hearing sensitivity but struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. Treatment often includes auditory training exercises, environmental modifications (like reducing background noise), and sometimes the use of assistive listening devices to enhance sound clarity.

Each type of hearing impairment requires a tailored approach to treatment. If you want to make sure that you have the best results with your treatment, then you have to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing hearing loss and minimizing its impact on communication and quality of life. The beginning step in treating any kind of hearing loss is making an appointment with your audiologist. From there, they will help you learn more about what, specifically, it is that you’re dealing with.

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