Hearing loss is a condition wherein any part of the ear or auditory hearing system doesn’t function normally. This can be a result of natural impairment or induced due to certain factors. Based on what part of the ear is damaged, Types of hearing loss can be classified into three basic types.

Conductive Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss is caused when the outer or middle ear cannot conduct sound properly. The sound waves are not carried efficiently through to the inner ear. It could be due to an underlying infection in the middle ear, blockage of the external canal, injury in the eardrum or the sound may have been simply blocked due to ear wax.

This condition is common in children who may have recurring ear infections. In some cases, it can be reversed through surgical correction.

The person suffering with conductive hearing loss may experience better hearing in noisy environment than in silence. For such conductive losses, a hearing aid device can greatly improve hearing.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss is caused when the inner ear or the hearing nerve is damaged. It could affect both the loudness and the clarity of sounds.

This condition is a common part of the aging process. It could be a result of head trauma, exposure to loud noise or when the hair cells of the cochlea are missing or damaged.

The person suffering with sensorineural hearing loss may experience a lack of sensitivity to the sound volume and clarity. They can hear people speaking but may not be able to interpret the speech clearly. They are usually able to hear better when there is no background noise.

This type of hearing loss cannot be reversed surgically but wearing a hearing aid may help better amplification of sounds.

Mixed Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It is caused when a person has problems in both the inner and the outer or middle ear.

It could also be a result of a previous trauma in the ear. Over a period, when the ear is not able to sustain one condition of hearing loss, it gets impaired resulting in an additional condition.  So, if a person is suffering with conductive hearing loss from a long time, he/she may acquire sensorineural hearing loss as they age.

This type of hearing loss can be treated depending on whether the loss is conductive or sensorial. If the loss is caused mainly due to conductive component, surgical treatment can be beneficial in treating the condition. Suppose, the loss is sensorineural, hearing aids are a more effective remedy.

Neural Hearing Loss

In addition to the three basic categories, there is one type of hearing loss which is considered to be critical. A person suffers from neural hearing loss when the auditory nerve is damaged or missing. This condition is not treatable as the nerve is not able to pass any sound information to the brain.

No surgical correction or hearing aids can help to improve hearing in this type of hearing loss.

If you suspect hearing loss, take a hearing test at HNR Speech and Hearing Aid Centre in Hyderabad to determine the level of severity and the type of hearing loss. Based on the result, our audiologist can offer you the right pair from Different Types of Hearing Aids we have.

Contact us on the below numbers to take your test.040-42018181 / +91 8237037087