Understanding the different types of hearing loss, in addition to knowing which one you might be experiencing, will help you to choose the about treatments and hearing aids. It's important to understand what is going on inside your ear so you know how to look after yourself and prevent further damage. Today, we are looking at one of the most common types: conductive hearing loss.
What is Conductive Hearing Loss?
Conductive hearing loss is characterized by the inability of sound to travel from the outer, or middle, ear to the inner ear. In this way, the sound waves never make it to the brain, making it difficult to the person to hear any types of sound. This hearing loss is often gradual for adults, with an increase in subtle signs that reveal the hearing loss. Signs may include regularly asking people to repeat themselves and missing out on details.
A person with conductive hearing loss might find it difficult to take part in social activities they would have ordinarily enjoyed, and it can suddenly be tempting to withdraw. If you suspect this hearing loss, it is important to consult a specialist because symptoms may indicate that something else is wrong. In other cases, the loss is temporary.
What Causes Conductive Hearing Loss?
The cause of conductive hearing loss is usually damage, or interference, in some part of the ear, including the three tiny bones located inside the middle ear, the openings which go into the inner ear, the Eustachian tube, the middle ear cavity, or the external ear canal. The mobility of the eardrum may also cause this loss.
Damage often results from other factors, including damage caused by loud noises, infection, or disease, Otosclerosis (a genetically mediated condition), fluid or wax build up, or mechanical obstruction.
Can Conductive Hearing Loss be Treated?
There are many options for people with conductive hearing loss. First, surgery may be an option to repair some of the damage that is obstructing sound transmission. However, surgery isn't the desired, or possible, for many people with this loss.
The good news is that using an appropriate hearing aid can make a huge difference in the quality of sound that the person with the hearing loss experiences. The ear simply requires amplification for mid-frequency to low-frequency sounds, enabling the individual to get by and significantly improve their quality of life.
Since 1996, Advanced Affordable Hearing has been sending reasonably priced hearing aids to the doors of customers like you. To get started, simply visit our Online Hearing Check, or call us at 1 (800) 804-0434, to get a general sense of your level of hearing loss. Pretty soon, you'll have your brand new hearing aids in hand!
If you have any further questions, contact us now.
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