Types of Hearing Loss
There are different types and degrees of hearing loss. The type of hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. The degree of hearing loss is classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound, based on the ability to hear faint sounds.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not able to travel efficiently through the ear canal to the eardrum or ossicles. This type of hearing loss is often caused by a buildup of earwax, a foreign object in the ear, or a structural problem with the ear. Conductive hearing loss can also be caused by infection or disease.
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent and can be caused by exposure to loud noise, certain medications, or aging.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
The degree of hearing loss is classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound, based on the ability to hear faint sounds.
Mild hearing loss is a hearing loss of 20-40 decibels. People with mild hearing loss may have difficulty hearing soft sounds, such as whispers.
Moderate hearing loss is a hearing loss of 41-70 decibels. People with moderate hearing loss may have difficulty hearing conversations, even when the speaker is using a raised voice.
Severe hearing loss is a hearing loss of 71-90 decibels. People with severe hearing loss may be able to hear some loud sounds, but not be able to understand speech.
Profound hearing loss is a hearing loss of 91 decibels or more. People with profound hearing loss may only be able to hear very loud sounds, such as a loud alarm clock.
The level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid is based on the degree of hearing loss. People with mild hearing loss may benefit from a hearing aid. People with moderate hearing loss may require a hearing aid. People with severe or profound hearing loss will require a hearing aid.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Most people experience some degree of hearing loss as they age. Hearing loss can also be caused by exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and viral infections such as meningitis or mumps. Hearing loss can also be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
There are two main types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear. This can be due to a blockage in the ear canal, a perforation of the eardrum, or problems with the tiny bones in the middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain are damaged. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent.
The severity of hearing loss is classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Mild hearing loss is when someone has difficulty hearing soft sounds. Moderate hearing loss is when someone has difficulty hearing both soft and loud sounds. Severe hearing loss is when someone can only hear very loud sounds. Profound hearing loss is when someone cannot hear any sounds.
If you think you may have hearing loss, it is important to see a doctor or audiologist for a hearing test. Hearing loss that is left untreated can lead to social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline.
There are a variety of treatment options available for hearing loss, depending on the cause and severity. Hearing aids are the most common treatment for mild to moderate hearing loss. Cochlear implants are used for people with severe to profound hearing loss.
If you have hearing loss, it is important to get treated as soon as possible. Untreated hearing loss can lead to a decline in cognitive function and social isolation.
Severity of Hearing Loss
There are different levels of hearing loss, which are classified according to the severity of the condition. The most common classification is based on the decibel level, which is a measure of sound intensity. Normal hearing is considered to be between 0 and 20 decibels. A person with a hearing loss of 21 to 40 decibels is considered to have a mild hearing loss, while a person with a hearing loss of 41 to 60 decibels is considered to have a moderate hearing loss. A person with a hearing loss of 61 to 80 decibels is considered to have a severe hearing loss, and a person with a hearing loss of more than 81 decibels is considered to have a profound hearing loss.
There are also different types of hearing loss, which can be further classified according to the cause of the condition. The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent and can’t be corrected with hearing aids. Another type of hearing loss is conductive hearing loss, which is caused by a blockage in the ear canal or damage to the eardrum. This type of hearing loss is usually temporary and can be corrected with medical treatment or surgery.
When to Seek Treatment for Hearing Loss
If you experience any of the following, you should seek treatment for hearing loss:
-You have difficulty hearing conversations, particularly in noisy environments or when more than one person is talking.
-You have to ask people to repeat themselves often.
-You have trouble hearing on the phone.
-You miss important sounds, like doorbells or alarms.
-You have trouble following conversations.
-You feel like people are mumbling.
-You have to turn up the volume on the TV or radio.
-You have trouble understanding people, especially women and children.
-You have ringing in your ears.
-You have trouble hearing in groups.
-You have to concentrate hard to hear what people are saying.
-You find yourself asking people to speak more slowly.