The Free Dictionary defines hearing loss as any degree of
impairment of the ability to apprehend sound. According to American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA) when describing hearing loss, there are three categories in
determine hearing loss: Type of Hearing Loss, Degree of Hearing Loss and
Configuration of Hearing Loss. Hearing loss can have a devastating effect on
the quality of life in both adults and children. Hearing loss in children can
interfere with learning and development. Untreated hearing loss can have a
lasting impact on employment, education and overall well-being. Today, I want to touch on the different types
of hearing loss. I want to give you a brief overall view. If you want more in
depth explanations, I am providing some links at the end of the post for
reference.
When determining hearing loss we should understand the
different types of hearing loss.
According to ASHA, there are generally three types of hearing loss:
conductive, sensorineural and mixed hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing
Loss occurs when sound is not conducted effectively through the outer ear
to the eardrum and the ossicles (tiny bones) of the middle ear. The effect of
conductive hearing loss is the reduction of sound level or the absence of
hearing faint sounds. This type of loss can be treated medically or surgically.
Some of the causes of Conductive Hearing
Loss include perforated ear drums, ear infections, impacted earwax, and fluid
buildup in the ears due to illness.
Sensorineural Hearing
Loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways
leading from the inner ear to the brain.
Unfortunately, the damage cannot be medically or surgically repaired in
most cases. The damage is permanent. The effect of this loss reduces one’s
ability to hear faint sounds and if the speech is loud enough to hear, the speech
or sound may be muffed or unclear. Some of causes of sensorineural hear loss
include illness, damage from loud noise, head trauma and malformation of the
inner ear.
Mixed Hearing Loss
occurs when there is a combination of both conductive and sensorinerual hearing
loss. There would be damage both to the outer or middle and the inner ear. The effect
of this loss includes reduction of sound level and/or absence of hearing faint
sounds.
Hopefully, I was able to provide you with a high level
overview of the different types of hearing loss. So what type of hearing loss
do you have? I would love your feedback on this post or any other posts. For
more information you can link to the following:
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