Types of hearing loss

There are three main types of hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss

A temporary problem caused by wax blockage or an ear infection can interfere with the transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear. This is known as a conductive hearing loss and may be treated by drugs.

If the conductive hearing loss is permanent, properly fitted hearing aids can successfully alleviate the problem.

Sensori-Neural hearing loss

The most common type of hearing loss amongst adults is Sensori-neural hearing loss and occurs when the outer and middle ear function properly but the message is distorted within the inner ear.

Causes include exposure to loud noise or it could be hereditary but the most common cause is advancing age.

Sound is made up of different frequencies and with this type of loss it is only certain frequencies that can no longer be heard.

Usally it is the higher frequencies that are lost resulting in loss of clarity or muffled sound. Every year thousands of people with sensori-neural hearing loss are helped to hear more clearly with the use of hearing aids selected to match their loss.

Mixed hearing loss

The third type of loss is referred to as a mixed hearing loss and is where both of the above exist. Again hearing aids are most often the best way of addressing the problems associated with this loss.