As you age, you’ll hear it’s normal to start experiencing changes in your hearing. Usually, this comes in ringing, buzzing, or other muffled noises.
Do these change to your hearing signify something more serious? Any sudden or consistent change in your hearing can signify a problem that needs attention.
If left untreated, hearing problems can progress to more significant hearing loss. Keep reading to learn about the different types of hearing problems and how they can be treated.
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Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of the most common hearing problems. It occurs when there is a disruption in the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain or an issue with the inner ear itself. SNHL can be caused by exposure to loud noise, aging, trauma, long-term ototoxic medications, illness, and heredity.
With SNHL, most often, there is a decrease in the ability to understand speech. There are no indications of this condition. Treatment for this type of hearing loss typically includes hearing aids or cochlear implants.
It is also essential to receive regular maintenance and checkups. This is to ensure any complications due to the SNHL are addressed. In some instances, a combination of both is needed.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a hearing problem that combines sensory and conductive hearing loss. Sensory hearing loss is the inability to detect certain sounds due to nerve damage or disease.
Mixed hearing loss is caused by a combination of the two. Symptoms of mixed hearing loss can vary depending on the type and severity of hearing impairment. People with mild mixed hearing loss may have difficulty following conversations in crowded or noisy areas.
They may be unable to hear some sounds or have a decreased range of sounds they can detect. Treatment for mixed hearing loss may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, cochlear implants, or surgery.
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
It is a type of sensorineural hearing loss thought to be caused by a disconnection between the inner ear and the auditory nerve. Those with ANSD may have difficulty distinguishing speech or understanding what is being said and problems with balance and coordination.
While the sound is still heard, it is unclear to the ear. This lack of perception is due to the lack of proper sound transmission to the nervous system. In some cases, adequate amplification will improve the person’s ability to understand speech, but in others, those with ANSD may have permanent hearing deficits.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This is a hearing issue caused by a disruption in the ability of sound from the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear. This happens when something interferes with the passage of sound waves from the outer ear to the middle ear bones and the inner ear.
Causes of conductive hearing loss can include excess ear wax, fluid buildup in the middle ear, infection, outer or middle ear malformation, and malfunctioning middle ear bones. These symptoms may require ear irrigation. Ear irrigation should be performed by an expert. Here’s why you should look for an Earigator professional.
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Understanding the Types of Hearing Problems
Hearing problems can be temporary or permanent and potentially adversely affect a person’s quality of life. Helping those with hearing difficulties begins with first understanding the types of hearing problems. If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing problems, please see a licensed audiologist or hearing specialist.
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