One of the most common questions we get from patients is, “What kind of hearing loss do I have?” Knowing your type of hearing loss helps us identify the best course of treatment for your unique hearing needs.
Hearing loss is unique for each individual, with various types and causes. It can be caused by genetics, exposure to loud noise, aging, underlying illness, and medication. Some people may experience hearing loss in both ears, while some just have it in one ear. The degree of hearing loss can also vary from mild to profound.
In order to properly treat hearing loss, it’s important to determine the type of hearing loss.
South County Hearing connects you to expert audiologists in Narragansett, RI, who can provide hearing tests for an accurate diagnosis.
Three Types of Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.
Conductive Hearing Loss
This occurs when sound waves cannot travel properly through the middle or outer ear. This can be caused by blockages such as fluid in the middle ear or wax buildup. Conductive hearing loss can also be caused by structural abnormalities such as abnormal bone growth in the middle ear or a perforated eardrum.
You may have conductive hearing loss if you experience muffled or distorted sound, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear, or difficulty hearing in noisy environments.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the nerve pathways or inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noise, genetics, aging, illness, or medication.
If you have sensorineural hearing loss, you might find it challenging to understand speech, especially in environments with substantial background noise. You may also experience a decreased ability to hear high-pitched sounds. Sensorineural hearing loss may be addressed using hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Mixed Hearing Loss
As the name suggests, mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Hearing loss is different for each individual which means that the course of treatment may also vary. This is why it’s important to work with an audiologist so your hearing loss can be diagnosed accurately and a personalized treatment plan can be developed.
The Importance of Identifying Your Type of Hearing Loss
Aside from knowing the best course of treatment for hearing loss, there are also other important reasons why identifying the specific hearing loss is necessary.
By identifying the specific type of hearing loss, any underlying medical conditions may be detected and addressed.
Identifying the specific type of hearing loss can also help audiologists track changes in hearing over time. Regular hearing evaluations can help monitor any changes in hearing and treatment plans can be adjusted accordingly.
What are the factors affecting hearing loss?
Since each hearing loss is unique, there are various factors that come into play such as:
- Age
- Noise Exposure
- Genetics
- Medical Conditions
- Ear abnormalities
What about hearing loss combined with ringing in the ears?
Hearing loss may also be accompanied by tinnitus, a condition where a person perceives a ringing in the ear without any external source. For this type of hearing concern, hearing aids for tinnitus may be the solution.
Again, this is the importance of diagnosing hearing loss accurately. Through a hearing test, any existing hearing issues may be identified and a personalized treatment plan can be developed by your audiologist.
South County Hearing connects you to expert audiologists in Narragansett, RI.
Hearing Tests in Narragansett, RI
If you’re experiencing any signs of hearing loss, it’s important to consult with an audiologist for a hearing test.
South County Hearing Services has audiologists providing comprehensive hearing tests in Narragansett, RI, and nearby areas.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
