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Types

Types

Hearing Loss: Types, Causes & Treatments

Hearing loss is a widespread condition affecting millions globally, with a variety of underlying causes. According to the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population – or 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their ‘disabling’ hearing loss (World Health Organization, 2021). Hearing loss can significantly impact quality of life, affecting communication, social interaction, and even cognitive health. This article provides an overview of the main types of hearing loss, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are three main types of hearing loss, categorised by which part of the auditory system is damaged:

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear due to issues in the outer or middle ear. Common causes include:

Symptoms may involve a feeling of fullness in the ear and muffled hearing. Medical treatments or surgery can often correct conductive hearing loss (Lustig & Coelho, 2020).

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways to the brain. Leading causes are:

SNHL is usually gradual and permanent. Symptoms include difficulty understanding speech, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and decreased ability to hear high-pitched sounds. Hearing aids are the main treatment for SNHL (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 2018).

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

As the name suggests, mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It occurs when there is damage in the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve. Treatment usually combines medical interventions for the conductive component and hearing aids for the sensorineural component (Michels et al., 2019).

Cognitive Impact of Hearing Loss

Recent studies suggest that adults with hearing loss are significantly more likely than adults with normal hearing to develop dementia (Griffin, 2019).

In a 2013 study, Lin and his colleagues tracked the overall cognitive abilities (including concentration, memory and planning skills) of nearly 2,000 older adults whose average age was 77. After six years, those who began the study with hearing loss severe enough to interfere with conversation were 24% more likely to see their cognitive abilities diminish than those with normal hearing. Essentially, the researchers said, hearing loss seemed to speed up age-related cognitive decline.

Fortunately, there’s a potential upside. If this connection — shown in several recent and well-regarded studies — holds up, it raises the possibility that treating hearing loss more aggressively could help stave off cognitive decline and dementia by using the main method of intervention for hearing loss; hearing aids. The link between hearing loss and milder cognitive problems is becoming increasingly accepted. “Every doctor knows that hearing loss can result in cognitive problems, but they still don’t focus on it as a priority when they evaluate someone with suspected dementia — which is a big missed opportunity,” Doraiswamy says. “The benefits of correcting hearing loss on cognition are twice as large as the benefits from any cognitive-enhancing drugs now on the market. It should be the first thing we focus on.”

So if you are concerned about your hearing, come and have a free hearing test and consultation with one of our fully qualified hearing aid Audiologists. Just click here make your appointment at our clinic on Lavitts Quay, Cork or at one of our many Hearing Clinics throughout Munster.

FAQ

What are the main types of hearing loss?

There are three main types of hearing loss:

  1. Conductive hearing loss: Caused by issues in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from reaching the inner ear. 
  2. Sensorineural hearing loss: Results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways to the brain.
  3. Mixed hearing loss: A combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

What causes conductive hearing loss?

Common causes of conductive hearing loss include:

Can conductive hearing loss be treated?

Yes, conductive hearing loss can often be corrected through medical treatments or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

What are the most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss?

The leading causes of sensorineural hearing loss are:

Is sensorineural hearing loss permanent?

In most cases, sensorineural hearing loss is gradual and permanent. However, hearing aids can significantly help manage this type of hearing loss.

What is mixed hearing loss?

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It occurs when there is damage in the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.

How is mixed hearing loss treated?

Treatment for mixed hearing loss usually combines medical interventions for the conductive component and hearing aids for the sensorineural component.

Can untreated hearing loss impact cognitive health?

Yes, research indicates untreated hearing loss is independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline and incident dementia. A study found that those with hearing loss severe enough to interfere with conversation were 24% more likely to experience cognitive decline than those with normal hearing.

Can hearing aids help prevent cognitive decline related to hearing loss?

Promisingly, correcting hearing loss with hearing aids is associated with cognitive benefits twice as large as current pharmaceutical options for treating cognitive decline. This highlights the importance of addressing hearing issues early.  

When should I get my hearing tested?

If you experience any symptoms of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding speech, muffled hearing, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), it’s important to consult an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing assessment.

How can Egans Hearing Centre help with my hearing health?

Egan’s Hearing Centre, serving Cork and Munster, offers comprehensive hearing tests and personalised hearing aid fittings with our qualified audiologists. Our state-of-the-art hearing aids are discreet, comfortable, and programmable to your specific hearing needs. Contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards better hearing health.

When to Seek Help

If you experience symptoms of hearing loss, consult an audiologist for a hearing assessment. Egan’s Hearing Centre, serving Cork and Munster, offers comprehensive hearing tests and personalised hearing aid fittings with our qualified audiologists. Our state-of-the-art hearing aids are discreet, comfortable, and programmable to your specific hearing needs. Contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards better hearing health. 

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