Hearing loss is often a source of frustration as people age. Unfortunately, it’s also a natural part of getting older and can begin as early as age 50 for many people. One of the most common types of hearing loss is presbycusis, a type of sensorineural hearing loss that affects around one-third of people over 65. Building a strong support system that begins with understanding and incorporates guidance from reliable hearing specialists is essential when addressing concerns about hearing loss.
This blog will tell you more about the common forms of hearing loss, their common causes, and potential treatment options. When you gain knowledge, you also gain control, allowing frustration to decrease as you develop a plan moving forward.
What Are the Three Common Types of Hearing Loss?
The ear consists of three parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear. There are also three common types of hearing loss, each affecting different parts of the ear. Continue reading to learn more about each type.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. It happens when something interferes with the transmission of sound. Some common causes of conductive hearing loss are listed below.
A buildup of earwax: Too much earwax can block the ear canal and make it difficult for sound to travel through.
Ear infections: Infections in the middle ear, such as otitis media, can cause fluid buildup, inflammation, and partial hearing loss through the conductive pathway.
Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tube helps balance pressure in the middle ear. Conductive hearing loss can occur when this balance is disrupted, such as when fluid does not drain properly.
Perforated eardrum: If the eardrum has a hole or tear, it may not vibrate properly to transmit sound to the middle ear.
Structural problems: Conductive hearing loss can be caused by birth defects or physical problems affecting the outer or middle ear.
People with conductive hearing loss might complain about muffled sounds or feel as though their ears are full or blocked. They might also experience ear pain. If conductive hearing loss is caused by issues such as ear infections or impacted earwax, the problem can often be treated with medication or professional earwax removal.
However, surgery might be necessary in some cases, such as when structural problems are present, when a hole in the eardrum needs to be repaired, or when other underlying conditions require surgical treatment. Other treatments for conductive hearing loss may include hearing aids, bone-conduction devices, or personal amplifiers.
Conductive hearing loss can affect people of all ages, from babies to adults, and its effects can be temporary or long-lasting, depending on the cause. Talking to an audiologist is important for obtaining an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Mixed Hearing Loss
As the name suggests, mixed hearing loss combines conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This means there may be problems affecting both the sound-conduction system and the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways. If you have a condition associated with conductive hearing loss, such as fluid buildup in your ear, and you work in a loud environment, you might experience mixed hearing loss. When you have mixed hearing loss, problems affecting different parts of the auditory system can make it difficult to hear clearly without some form of intervention.
Cochlear implants, surgery, and hearing aids may all be options for treating mixed hearing loss, depending on its cause and severity. Getting tested and talking to a knowledgeable team is important to help you find the best care and understand what is behind your hearing difficulties. Once your hearing has been assessed, the team can develop a treatment plan that considers your hearing needs as a whole.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Changes in the inner ear, the nerves that carry sound signals to the brain, and, in some cases, the brain’s auditory pathways can all play a role in sensorineural hearing loss. Age-related sensorineural hearing loss is known as presbycusis. This type of hearing loss typically develops gradually as people age, but it can also occur at a younger age due to illness, exposure to loud noise, or trauma to the head. Presbycusis is the most common type of permanent hearing loss associated with aging.
People with sensorineural hearing loss may struggle to hear soft sounds, and even louder sounds might seem muffled or unclear. This might cause them to turn up the television volume or have difficulty hearing during phone conversations. Typical signs of presbycusis include:
- Complaints that speech from other people or on television sounds distorted or garbled.
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
- Becoming frustrated in crowded rooms because of difficulty hearing.
- Complaints about ringing in the ears.
There is currently no treatment that can reverse the effects of presbycusis. However, several therapeutic approaches can improve hearing and reduce the impact of the condition. Assistive technologies, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other devices, may help people hear more effectively.
Those struggling with presbycusis may want to make a few lifestyle adjustments to reduce the impact of hearing loss on their daily activities. In addition, hearing tests should be performed regularly so that changes can be identified and managed. When coping with presbycusis, communicating with others and participating in social activities can be difficult, sometimes leading to feelings of loneliness and sadness.
How Can You Help Someone With Hearing Loss?
Watching loved ones and friends struggle with hearing loss can be difficult. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to help them cope:
- Encourage them to have their hearing checked regularly by an experienced hearing specialist.
- Learn about the capabilities and limitations of different treatment options.
- Support them by speaking clearly, facing them when talking, and choosing quieter environments for conversations.
- Research assistive listening equipment for televisions and phones.
Keep in mind that hearing loss can be upsetting and isolating for many people. Treating your loved ones and family members with kindness and patience is essential.
Seek Help and Education About Hearing Loss
One of the best things you can do is seek help and learn more about hearing loss, whether you are experiencing it yourself or someone you know is affected. With today’s technology, people have access to a range of options and support to help them understand and manage their hearing difficulties.
Professionals, such as the team at El Dorado Hearing, can assess hearing issues and create an appropriate treatment plan tailored to each person’s needs. Talk with a team member today to take the first step toward better hearing.