Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is assessed and then categorized into type. Hearing loss can be caused by an abnormality of some tupe in any of the three parts of the ear: outer, middle and inner.
A blockage of cerumen (ear wax) in the outer ear canal can cause conductive hearing loss, which prevents normal conduction of sound to the other parts of the ear. This particular problem is easily treatable with the removal of the wax. Another example of conductive hearing loss involves fluid in the middle ear space, which is treated medically by an otologist. Sensorineural hearing loss involves the inner ear, including the cochlea and the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is generally permanant and can be caused by a number of factors including aging and noise exposure. Hearing loss can effect a combination of the parts of the ear, leading to more hearing loss, which is treatable in part based on the cause and advise of an otologist.
Additional Tests can be performed by audiologists to evaluate the hearing loss and balance systems. These are usually ordered by a physician and include the following:
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