CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS

There are two types of hearing loss. A description of each is listed below:

Nerve Deafness or sensorineural hearing loss is the most prevalent form of hearing impairment. About 95% of all hearing aid wearers have sensorineural hearing loss. Nerve Deafness is an abnormality of the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or both. It is due to damage to the sensory hair cells and/or nerve fibers of the inner ear. There are many causes. The two most common are the aging process and sudden or extended exposure to loud noise. Some causes can be medically or surgically treated. But for most nerve disorders, if there is residual hearing, a hearing aid is a very effective remedy.

Conductive hearing loss is less common. It affects the outer or middle ear and results when sound waves are not properly conducted to the inner ear. Causes include excessive ear wax, ear infections, immobilization of one of the bones in the middle ear, and a punctured eardrum. Conductive hearing problems can often be corrected medically or surgically. Most can also be helped by a hearing aid.