Hearing Center: The 2 Primary Types of Auditory Loss

When ear specialists and those who work in the hearing center industry talk about ear impairment, they are usually referring to two primary types of auditory loss. The two types are conductive and sensorineural. A third type sometimes mentioned is "mixed" loss, which is a combination of the two. Each of them occurs for a different reason, even if the end result is difficult to distinguish for the individual suffering from the damage. Here is an overview of the two types, where they originate, and how they can be treated. Conductive Loss Conductive loss deals with auditory impairment that occurs because of problems involving the outer or middle ear. The symptoms of conductive loss are usually accompanied by decreases in volume level and an inability to detect fainter sounds at all. In many cases, this type of loss is a possible candidate for corrective treatment. There are medications that can help in some instances. For the occasions when it can't be treated with medications and other minimally invasive treatments, surgery may be an option. Some of the causes of this type of loss include ear wax blockage, middle ear fluid, infection, otosclerosis, a punctured eardrum, and trauma involving the ossicles in the middle ear. Sensorineural Loss When a patient suffers from auditory impairment due to inner ear damage or problems involving the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, it is referred to as sensorineural loss. As opposed to conductive loss, there are no treatments or surgery that can bring the auditory sense back. This is the type of loss a hearing center might speak of when they refer to permanent damage. As well as affecting how loud sounds are, it can also interfere with an individual's ability to understand speech. Since surgery and other medical options are not available, listening aids and other assistive devices are often used to compensate for the damage. Causes include excessive noise, congenital injuries and birth defects, aging, viruses, tumors, and more. It is difficult, if not impossible, to identify and diagnose the type of auditory loss you've suffered on your own. While playing doctor at home has become one of America's favorite pastimes since the birth of the Internet, it is a mistake to try and diagnose the reasons behind your impairment. If you've had auditory loss confirmed by a hearing center, you need to talk to an ear, nose, and throat doctor to get a full medical evaluation. He will be able to tell you the type of loss you've experienced, what treatments are available or recommended, and give you the right path moving forward.