What Is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is the reduction in our ability to hear certain sounds and affects 432 million adults worldwide (Source: WHO). By the time we reach 65, one in three of us will have a hearing impairment (Source: National Institutes of Health).

There are 3 types of hearing loss:

Sensorineural

This occurs when the inner ear nerves and hair cells are damaged — usually due to increasing age or noise induced hearing damage. Sensorineural hearing loss impacts the pathways from your inner ear to your brain. This can be managed with the use of hearing aids. In the rare case of a sudden sensorineural hearing loss corticosteroid medication may help with treatment.

Conductive hearing loss

This is typically the result of obstructions in the outer or middle ear — usually due to fluid buildup behind the eardrum or ear wax obstruction in ear canal. This prevents some sound from reaching the inner ear. Conductive hearing losses caused by ear wax can be treated with microsuction. Fluid build up can be treated with medication or ear, nose and throat department (ENT) referral to consider grommets. Other types of conductive losses will warrant an onward ENT referral. Hearing aids can also help manage a conductive hearing loss.

Mixed hearing loss

This is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. A hearing assessment consultation with us can help determine the type, cause and degree of your hearing loss.