Hearing loss occurs for a variety of reasons and in different ways for different people. Even the underlying causes and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may experience muffled sounds, while others may experience severe pain, and so on.
Even if you don’t have any symptoms, knowing the different types of hearing loss can help you take proper preventative measures.
The location of the problem within the ear determines the type of hearing loss you have. There are three types of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss.
- Sensorineural hearing loss.
- Mixed hearing loss.
Let’s take a look at the three types of hearing loss and the most common symptoms associated with each.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conduction Hearing loss occurs when the ability to transmit sound from the outer and middle ear to the inner ear is reduced or lost. This could be due to something obstructing the ear canal, such as earwax or fluids, or it could be caused by illness or allergies. Another possibility is an ear infection or a perforated eardrum.
Unlike other types of hearing loss, which make it difficult to hear and understand sounds, conductive hearing loss makes sounds appear to have less “volume.”
In some cases, conductive hearing loss can be treated simply by clearing the ear canal of excess wax or fluid. In some cases, hearing aids or surgically implanted devices can be used to treat it.
Symptoms of Conductive Hearing Loss
Conduction hearing loss symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity, but they can include:
- Hearing is not audible.
- Unexpected or consistent hearing loss.
- Complete or muggy ear sensation.
- Light-headedness.
- Ear dripping.
- Pain or tenderness in the ear.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
A problem in the hearing nerve lane, or cochlea, which connects the inner ear to the brain, is referred to as sensorineural hearing loss. Illness, age, genetics, head trauma, noise exposure, and other factors can all compromise the performance of these components. Regrettably, none of these components is shifting.
People with sensorineural hearing loss have experienced volume and transparency issues, particularly when trying to understand speech. Sounds may appear muffled, and people who were speaking may appear to stutter.
Sensorineural hearing loss can eventually be treated with hearing aids, which increase and process nearby sounds so you can understand and listen to them. According to research, hearing aids can treat 95 per cent of all hearing losses.
Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss symptoms may include:
- Improvement in hearing.
- There will be some difficulties in understanding the speech.
- The gradual or abrupt loss of hearing.
- Stuffy or full of ear sensibility.
- Ringing in the ear.
- Unsteadiness.
Mixed Hearing Loss
People who have experienced both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss symptoms commonly refer to their condition as “mixed hearing loss.” When the outer or middle ear, as well as the cochlea, or auditory nerve in the inner ear, become blocked or injured, this type of problem occurs.
Mixed hearing loss is typically caused by a combination of factors that cause conductive hearing loss and those that cause sensorineural hearing loss.
Hearing healthcare professionals frequently find it beneficial to handle conductive situations because they can frequently cure. They’ll be able to gain reasonable access to your sensorineural hearing loss in the future and provide you with tools to help you.
Symptoms of Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss manifests itself as a mix of the conductive and sensorineural symptoms listed above.