Different Types Of Hearing Loss

It is estimated that 1 in 10 people have some degree of hearing loss in the United States. Hearing loss is marked by damage to the auditory system, resulting in difficulty in hearing sounds in the environment. This condition is characterized by three different types:

Types of hearing loss:

Conductive: Sound is not carried effectively from the outer ear to the tiny bones in the middle ear, resulting in inability to hear faint sounds. It is caused by:

• Upper respiratory infection (a cold)


• Eardrum puncture


• Excessive ear wax


• Dysfunction of the eustachian tube


• Tumors

Sensorineural: Damage to the inner ear, or the nerve that runs from the inner ear to the brain. It is hearing loss that is for life. It is caused by:

• Loud noise, such as loud music


• Trauma to the head


• viruses


• Age


• Lesions (tumor)

Mixed: Is Sensorineural and Conductive hearing losses occurring together, and is the result of damage to all three ear compartments of the outer, middle, and inner ear.

Unilateral: Hearing loss occurring in one ear only and can be caused by:

• Genetics


• Abnormal auditory system


• Syndromes such as:

Ototoxicity - Is drug induced hearing loss

Goldenhar - The ears are deformed or are missing

Treacher Collins - Disorder of the craniofacial bones

Other Causes:

• Illnesses such as rubella, CMV, and meningitis


• Skull fractures


• Constant exposure to extremely loud noises


• Brain trauma

Hearing loss is measured in degrees or severity which runs from normal to profound. Configuration of hearing loss refers to being unilateral or bilateral (both ears), and whether the loss is at high tones or low tones, or both.

How is hearing diagnosed?

There are several testing procedures perfomed by your health care provider to determine hearing loss and the extent of damage. These tests include:

• Weber's test utilizes the tuning fork


• Rinne test - compares air and bone conduction


• Audiogram - measures hearing levels


• Speech testing

How is hearing loss treated?

• Treatment of any existing disease


• Hearing aid


• Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for hearing loss. These surgeries include:

Myringotomy: A small incision is made in the ear drum and a tiny tube is inserted to drain the the ear of a build up of fluid. When performed on children, the tube never has to be removed. It eventually falls out as the child grows.

Stapedectomy: The stapes can become immobile resulting in hearing loss. Surgical manipulation of the stapes bone or complete replacement is performed to restore hearing.

Tympanoplasty and Mastoid surgery: Is reconstruction of the ear drum, and the removal of the mastoid bone and any disease it contains.

Translabyrinthine surgery: Is the removal of acoustic neuromas (tumors).

Middle Fossa and Retrosigmoid: Is the removal of small tumors

It is important to consult with your physician if you are experiencing any hearing loss. As with most conditions, early detection and treatment can avoid extensive damage and permanent hearing loss.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT