Question: Are there different types of hearing loss? What are the causes and what are the best methods of treatment?
Answer: There are two major types of hearing loss — sensorineural and conductive.
Sensorineural
loss describes the gradual diminishing of hearing commonly associated
with aging. This type is usually caused by damage to the microscopic
hair cells in the ear. Patients may complain that people seem to mumble
or that they hear but don’t understand.
Conductive loss is the result
of structural damage to the ear, which may be caused by impacted wax,
perforated eardrum, middle ear effusion, otosclerosis, cholesteatoma or
congenital anomalies. Patients suffering from conductive loss commonly
report that the overall intensity (loudness) of sound is diminished, but
sound clarity is usually intact if sufficient volume is present.
Hearing
loss can develop over time and is generally caused by exposure to loud
noise, family history and the natural aging process. Ototoxic drugs,
viral and toxic illnesses or disturbances of fluid in the inner ear may
also contribute to hearing problems.
Only five percent of hearing
loss in adults can be improved medically or surgically. The vast
majority of Americans with hearing loss (95 percent) are treated with
hearing aids. Modern technology offers a solution for nearly every
patient with mild to severe hearing loss.
If you suspect you have a
hearing loss, schedule an evaluation with a Hearing Aid Specialist.
Following a diagnostic hearing test, he or she will be able to determine
which treatment option is right for you.
David
Love is an experienced hearing-aid specialist, skilled in detecting and
correcting all types of hearing loss. He is an expert programmer with
extensive knowledge of the latest hearing instrument technologies. David
and the Audibel Hearing Care Center staff offer patients a full scope
of hearing healthcare services and personalized care.
Audibel Hearing Care Center
1695 W. Indiantown Road, Suite 28,
Jupiter FL 33458
(561) 935-3259
www.AudibelHCC.com
