Hearing loss is characterized by the inability to hear sounds coming from the environment. Studies say that 1 in 10 people are affected by hearing loss of different degrees. The degree of hearing loss means the extent of damage. It can range from mild to profound, and can be helped by the use of devices designed to enhance a person's ability to hear.
Types of hearing loss:
- When the bones of the middle ear, the incus, malleus, and stapes (the smallest bones in the body) do not receive sound from the external ear, this is called Conductive Hearing Loss. This results in the inability to hear faint sounds.
- Damage to the Cochea or inner ear results in the permanent loss of hearing. Commonly referred to as Sensorineural Hearing Loss, it is caused by the inability of the cocheus to send electrical impulses to the brain. As the cochea contains the auditory nerve, damage to it results in the inability to send impulses to the brain for interpretation.
- Damage to the outer, inner and middle ear is referred to as Mixed Hearing Loss. This occurs as a result of both previously mentioned afflictions being present.
- When there is an abnormality in the brain, such as a brain tumor, or a non-malignant tumor in the auditory canal that causes sound to not be sent to the brain, it is called Central Hearing Loss.
- There is also unilateral loss of hearing, meaning that hearing deficit is located in just one ear.
How Hearing Is Lost:
There are a variety of reasons that causes one to not hear sounds. These causes of hearing loss include:
- Sudden, loud noises such as an explosion or airbag deployment - Genetics - Constant Ear Infections - Chronic Illness such as Diabetes - Puncture of the eardrum - Over abundance of ear wax - Blockages such as fluids, ear wax or foreign objects - Tumors - Viruses - Head Trauma - Prolonged Exposure to loud noise
Hearing loss is measured in degrees or severity and is diagnosed by a series of hearing tests which tell the type, degree, and location of the hearing deficit. There are several testing procedures performed by your health care provider to determine hearing loss and the extent of damage. These tests include:
- The tuning fork or Weber's Test
- Air and Bone Conduction Testing. Also referred to as the Rinne Test
- Audiogram Testing measures the level of hearing
- Testing of Speech
Hearing Loss Treatments and Surgeries:
- Hearing aid
- Myringotomy: A small incision is made in the ear drum and a tiny tube is inserted to drain the ear of a buildup of fluid.
- A surgical procedure where manipulation of the stapes bone or complete replacement is performed also known as a Stapedectomy.
- Reconstructive surgery of the eardrum or the complete removal of the Mastoid bone and any disease within it is commonly called a Tympanoplasty and Mastoid surgery.
- Translabyrinthine surgery: Is the removal of acoustic neuromas (tumors).
- The surgical removal of small tumors in the ear is called Middle Fossa and Retrosigmoid.
If you believe you have some type of hearing loss, consulting with a hearing professional for testing, diagnosis, and treatment will help you begin hearing the sounds coming from your environment again, and participating in the activities you enjoy.
Types of hearing loss:
- When the bones of the middle ear, the incus, malleus, and stapes (the smallest bones in the body) do not receive sound from the external ear, this is called Conductive Hearing Loss. This results in the inability to hear faint sounds.
- Damage to the Cochea or inner ear results in the permanent loss of hearing. Commonly referred to as Sensorineural Hearing Loss, it is caused by the inability of the cocheus to send electrical impulses to the brain. As the cochea contains the auditory nerve, damage to it results in the inability to send impulses to the brain for interpretation.
- Damage to the outer, inner and middle ear is referred to as Mixed Hearing Loss. This occurs as a result of both previously mentioned afflictions being present.
- When there is an abnormality in the brain, such as a brain tumor, or a non-malignant tumor in the auditory canal that causes sound to not be sent to the brain, it is called Central Hearing Loss.
- There is also unilateral loss of hearing, meaning that hearing deficit is located in just one ear.
How Hearing Is Lost:
There are a variety of reasons that causes one to not hear sounds. These causes of hearing loss include:
- Sudden, loud noises such as an explosion or airbag deployment - Genetics - Constant Ear Infections - Chronic Illness such as Diabetes - Puncture of the eardrum - Over abundance of ear wax - Blockages such as fluids, ear wax or foreign objects - Tumors - Viruses - Head Trauma - Prolonged Exposure to loud noise
Hearing loss is measured in degrees or severity and is diagnosed by a series of hearing tests which tell the type, degree, and location of the hearing deficit. There are several testing procedures performed by your health care provider to determine hearing loss and the extent of damage. These tests include:
- The tuning fork or Weber's Test
- Air and Bone Conduction Testing. Also referred to as the Rinne Test
- Audiogram Testing measures the level of hearing
- Testing of Speech
Hearing Loss Treatments and Surgeries:
- Hearing aid
- Myringotomy: A small incision is made in the ear drum and a tiny tube is inserted to drain the ear of a buildup of fluid.
- A surgical procedure where manipulation of the stapes bone or complete replacement is performed also known as a Stapedectomy.
- Reconstructive surgery of the eardrum or the complete removal of the Mastoid bone and any disease within it is commonly called a Tympanoplasty and Mastoid surgery.
- Translabyrinthine surgery: Is the removal of acoustic neuromas (tumors).
- The surgical removal of small tumors in the ear is called Middle Fossa and Retrosigmoid.
If you believe you have some type of hearing loss, consulting with a hearing professional for testing, diagnosis, and treatment will help you begin hearing the sounds coming from your environment again, and participating in the activities you enjoy.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is an established writer and registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge about Signs Of Hearing Loss with others. She has more articles including Hearing Loss Statistics on Clivir.com.
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