Different Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss generally occurs when some of the hair cells within the hearing organ, the cochlea, are damaged. it is typically not medically or surgically treatable, however, many people find that hearing aids or a Cochlear Implant can be beneficial.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is an obstruction or damage to the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from being conducted to the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss is less common and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

People can have a combination of both a sensorineural hearing loss and a conductive hearing loss. They may have a sensorineural hearing loss and then develop a conductive component in addition. Diagnostic hearing evaluation will help determine the appropriate treatment plan.

People with mild to moderate hearing loss, a hearing aid may be all that is required to amplify the sounds they are not hearing. Severe to profound single-sided deafness is often permanent, but sometimes treatable with devices worn on your functioning ear. Your audiologist may recommend a CROS, BiCROS, Bone-anchored Hearing Aid or Cochlear Implant.

Sudden onset hearing loss is considered a MEDICAL EMERGENCY because once the cells of hearing in the Cochlea (hearing organ) have died, the loss is irreversible. If you think that you may be experiencing a sudden hearing loss, you should visit a doctor immediately.