Hearing loss is a physical decrease in your ability to hear sounds. There are several types and causes for hearing loss as well as a range of severity of loss. The common types of hearing loss are listed below.
Conductive loss: This occurs from a problem with the conductive mechanism of the ear (i.e. the ear drum or the little bones that lie behind the ear drum. This can happen from fluid buildup which can be infection or as a result of cold or sinus congestion. This can also occur if the bones are disrupted from an injury such as a blow to the head, some problems with bone erosion or calcification, or if a person is born without the bones or parts missing. This type of loss is often in the lower pitches and is the number one reason for reversible hearing loss (fluid) in children. If the loss is due to chronic or repeated infection, an appropriate medical referral to an ear-nose-throat surgeon will be made. Occasionally people with malformed or calcified bones may be candidates for surgery, in which case a consultation will be recommended.
Sensorineural hearing loss: This occurs from damage to the cochlea or hearing nerve. It may be congenital (present at birth), hereditary (from family history of early onset hearing loss – and is the result of a chromosomal glitch), or acquired from a variety of sources such as viral loss, medications (chemotherapy), repeated noise exposure, blast injuries, as well as a part of the aging process (presbycusis). Neural loss is permanent hearing loss and is the most common type in older adults, which often has a tendency to be gradual and ‘sneak up’ on someone.