Hearing loss is usually categorized as either sensorineural hearing loss or conductive hearing loss but hearing problems can also appear as a mixture of
these two main types. All of them are related to how much or to what degree
the ear can process sound.

As the name suggests, conductive hearing loss refers to the ability or non ability of the outer ear to conduct sound via the ear canal to the middle ear. This condition can often be temporary, for example as a result of a build up of wax in the ear or because the ear has become infected and inflamed. What causes the blocked ability to hear? Well it could be for any number of reasons the most common of which are things like the simple allergy or a cold (we are all familiar with that ‘blocked up’ feeling) which fills the ear with fluid and stops it performing so efficiently. Or the problem could be due to the existence of a benign tumor, a foreign object stuck in the ear or a perforated ear drum or fracture. These are the most common reasons.

In most cases you will find that this kind of hearing loss is treatable or can even clear up by itself. It is always best to get even mild to moderate conductive hearing loss checked by a doctor to get some advice on the best course of treatment.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss then the condition is a little more serious than the case above. ‘Neural’ is to do with nerves and the nerve pathways from the ear to the
brain and ’sensori’ refers to the way the nerve sensors work, or not, as the case may be.

If the sensitive area of the auditory nerve and cochlea are subject to damage, unlike the more easily treatable outer and middle part of the ear, permanent hearing loss will ensue ,. Although it may not be a total hearing loss, and some degree of hearing remains, it is usually severely impaired which can make it very difficult to make out what anyone is saying even if they are standing close to you.

Sometimes this can happen very early in life, as in cases of injury at birth or it may be genetic or occur later as a side effect of certain drugs like the antibiotic streptomycin or high doses of aspirin. The name used to identify this kind of hearing condition is ‘ototoxic’. Hearing loss can also be caused by conditions such as the rubella virus, meniere’s disease or as a side effect of meningitis. High levels of noise, especially if continued over a period of time can damage the cochlea and its sensitive hair cells and lead, in the end result, to what is termed noise-induced hearing loss.

Presbycusis is the term used to describe hearing loss that occurs naturally with aging where the ear doesn’t perform as efficiently due to gradual wear and tear.Damage to the outer and middle ear, when combined with damage to the inner ear (where the cochlea and auditory nerve are situated) gives rise to the type of ear problem called ‘mixed hearing loss’. If the damage is in one ear only it is called ‘unilateral’.

The degree of hearing loss suffered is usually calculated by testing and matching to a threshold scale of decibels, with mild hearing loss typified at around 25-40 decibels, which is the threshold at which sound starts to be recognised, and profound hearing loss typified at over 90 decibels.

More tips, advice and information about all types of hearing loss, symptoms, causes and treatment is available at www.conductivehearinglossandtreatments.com