Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be categorized by where or what part of the auditory system is damaged. There are three basic types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss , sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss.

Sudden hearing loss is based on severity, time course, and frequency spectrum of the loss. Sudden hearing loss or a rapid loss can be the result of just one very loud sound.

The ears give us balance. When only one ear is affected, other senses seem altered as well. Your balance is dependent on the sound waves heard by your ears. When you feel you are experiencing some sort of loss, consult your physician right away because your hearing loss might not be the only thing affected.

I feel the fluid in your ears are responsible for the balance and not the sound waves. The brain helps process the movements.

It is said that by 30 years of age, we are candidates for one of our ears to experience hearing loss. However, a psychologist told me that we are losing our hearing from the day we are born of course in small amounts but others could be faster than others depending on their lifestyle.

Do some pregnancies cause an in-born hearing impaired? And if so what are the factors regarding this impairment? Anyone know?

There are many causes that can cause hearing loss at birth. The baby may be deaf because of genetics or its anatomy of the ear. There might be a deformity of the ear which results in hearing loss. Also, during the birth, lack of oxygen to the brain might occur which can cause ear damage. A rubella virus can cause congenital rubella syndrome that can affect the ears as well.

Yes, heredity can contribute to hearing loss; however, I do not believe heredity plays a role in hearing loss at birth. I think birth defects or maybe the lack of prenatal care and lifestyle choices while pregnant is the bigger factor of hearing impairment at birth.

Viruses and bacteria can cause hearing loss. Meningitis has a strong link with deafness. I've heard some incidents of children losing their hearing while having the chicken pox or measles. They have vaccinations now that prevent chicken pox so I suggest taking your children to get the vaccinations.

Viruses that causes sudden deafness is not out of the ordinary. Viruses commonly known as the flu virus, colds, chicken pox and more. These viruses can irritate the ears and could further cause ear damage which results in hearing loss and/or balance problems.

I make sure that I clean my ears often with cotton swabs to prevent any kinds of infection.

Swabbing your ear out with alcohol will only help with bacterial infections; however, unfortunately even with the alcohol, where the ear damage occurs the alcohol will not reach the area. In addition, my doctor states that we should only clean our ears with cotton swabs three times a week because everyday could potentially harm the ear.

I actually lost my hearing at a very young age when I had the chicken pox and measles at the same time. I hear several people have gone through the same tragedy.

Does anyone know imformation regarding LVAS (Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome?? I would like to know more information on how I can avoid further damage. While I still know that this is a fairly new discovery and cures have not yet been discussed, I would like to know if anyone is going through the same thing and what their suggestions are?

I know the obvious like stay away from loud excessive noises and pressure but does anyone know anything else? Thanks

Yes, it is a new disease; however, if it is not a major problem and is not causing lifestyle changes then you don't need to worry too much. Again, as you know avoid pressure changes, head traumas, and avoid caffeine. Also, another suggestion is to get a hearing aid (if not already owned).

Sometimes I watch television or movies with closed caption because it is hard for me to understand what they are saying even if I try to read their lips or pay attention to body language. I find movies and t.v. more entertaining with closed caption because I know I didn't miss anything.

I am just curious as to why I can't understand what the actors are saying. I hear the noise and sounds just fine, I just don't hear the words as well as I used to. Is this specifically called something?

I know exactly what you're going through. I went through the same thing and got it checked out. The doctor explained to me that it is called a high frequency hearing loss. It is actually quite common. You can hear but you can't quite make out what is being said.

There are certain letters that make it hard to differentiate from when you have a high frequency hearing loss because the speech cue is in a high frequency. Go figure. For example, letters like "F" and "S". They way you say it with your mouth looks the same and if there are background noises, then it may be diffucult to comprehend what was just said.

There are hearing aids specifically for this issue to help enhance your hearing.

There are different types of hearing loss, depending on which part of the hearing pathway is affected. A specialist will always try to localize where in the hearing pathway the problem lays, so as to be able to classify the hearing loss as belonging to one of the following groups. They are:-
1) Conductive hearing loss
2) Sensor neural hearing loss
3) Central hearing loss
4) Functional hearing loss
5) Mixed hearing loss

Types of Hearing Loss
There are four types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, mixed, and central.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs due to loss of sound sensitivity resulting from abnormalities of the middle and/or outer ear. The auditory nerve still functions normally; the sound is just unable to reach the inner ear. This type of loss is common in children with ear infections. Once the infection is cleared up, the hearing is restored. This type of loss can usually be treated with simple surgery or medication.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The most common type of hearing loss can result from abnormalities of the inner ear and/or nerve paths to the brain. Both the auditory cells and auditory nerve are permanently damaged. This is the type of hearing loss often referred to as nerve loss. While there are many causes of sensorineural hearing loss, it is most commonly caused
by repetitive exposure to high-intensity noise or by the natural aging process. This type of loss can usually be helped with the use of hearing instruments.

Mixed Hearing Loss

This type of loss has symptoms of both conductive and sensorineural hearing losses.

Central Hearing Loss

This type of loss results from disorders in the neuropath ways leading from the ear to the brain. Strokes and central nerve diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, are often the causes of central hearing loss.

- ultimatehearingcenter.com