When it comes to your hearing, you probably aren't paying a lot of attention to it. Most people don't think about it until they start having issues. There are a number of different issues that can arise, and it's important that you understand them before it's too late.

You'll want to stay on top of checking your hearing, just in case there is a problem. Some of the things that you will want to notice is hearing loss.

Learn more about the different types of hearing losses with this guide. Read along to learn more!

Hearing Loss: The Basics

It is any impairment of the ability to detect or understand sounds. This could be due to genetics, age, disease, or any other factor that affects how sound is heard. It can range from mild to profound, meaning that someone could still hear some noise but not all or could not hear any sounds at all.

It can affect their ability to communicate and participate in everyday activities. They may struggle to follow conversations, hear warnings, or hear alarms. In addition, it can lead to dementia because of decreased cognitive stimulation.

A person with a hearing problem may also have trouble studying and working, as they have difficulty hearing what their peers, lecturers, or colleagues are saying. It can affect one or both ears and can range from mild impairment to total deafness. The most common cause is aging, but people can also be born with it due to genetic factors.

The Types

Hearing loss has different types. Learning it is essential in order for it to be addressed properly by a professional.

Conductive

It occurs when there is a blockage or disruption in the outer or middle ear, preventing sound waves from reaching the eardrum and inner ear. A common cause is a build-up of earwax or a punctured or perforated eardrum. Symptoms include muffled hearing, ear pain, and a feeling of fullness or pressure within the ear.

Treatment may include surgical procedures or, in some cases, medication and hearing aids. It is treatable and should be addressed by a medical professional as soon as possible to ensure the best possible chance of recovery.

Sensorineural

It is a type of hearing loss in which the inner ear is severely damaged and is usually permanent. It affects the sensory nerves and the pathways to the auditory cortex in the brain. It is usually caused by damage to the hair cells or cochlea in the inner ear, aging, or by noise exposure.

It is the most common form of loss and is by sudden deafness or a gradual decrease in the person's ability to hear. This type can limit an individual's ability to understand speech and enjoy music. Treatment may include hearing aids or cochlear implants to help the person better hear and understand sounds.

Mixed

This occurs when there is an issue with both the inner and outer ear. This type is a combination of conductive and sensorineural, meaning there is a problem with the outer and inner ears. This is simply related to issues in the outer ear, like earwax build-up and fluid in the middle ear.

Sensorineural is to issues inside the inner ear and damage to the auditory nerve. For those with mixed hearing failure, the degree ranges from mild to profound, depending on the amount of damage to each portion of the ear. Treatment usually involves a combination of hearing aids and medical treatments such as antibiotics.

How to Prevent

To reduce the chances, avoid consistently loud environments or wear hearing protection. Additionally, turn down the volume on headphones and stereos and limit time spent near noisy machinery. If you notice any changes to your hearing, take action and visit an Ear, Nose, or Throat (ENT) specialist promptly.

Similarly, it is important to eat right, exercise, and get regular checkups if hearing changes occur. Finally, do not smoke or consume alcohol excessively, as it puts you at a higher risk of having this. If you follow these simple steps, you can minimize the chances of and ensure that you maintain healthy hearing.

The Cure

This is best managed through the use of Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants, and Assistive Listening Devices. Hearing Aids consist of a microphone, amplifier, and receiver that is worn in or behind the ear to amplify sound. Cochlear Implants are surgically implanted devices that may help those with severe loss.

Finally, Assistive Listening Devices are devices designed to pick up sound and transmit it directly to the ear. These include devices to amplify sound in the environment, as well as devices that use bone conduction to transmit sound waves directly to the inner ear. These are all important treatments available to those who have hearing defeat and should be discussed with an audiologist or ENT specialist.

Signs 

The signs you have hearing loss can vary depending on the severity, but there are some common signs to look out for. If you find yourself having difficulty hearing or understanding conversations in a noisy environment or having to turn the volume up louder on the television, it could be a sign. Other signs could include ringing in the ears, difficulty concentrating, or frequent misunderstandings of what people have said.

Additionally, if you find yourself avoiding social gatherings or spending more time alone due to difficulty hearing the conversation, that may also be a sign. If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing this, find an audiologist for a professional assessment.

Types of Hearing Losses: Learn What You Can Do

This is much more common than many people might think. It is essential to be aware of the different types of hearing losses and their signs so that you can take the proper actions should you or someone you care about that may experience this.

It is important to research the types of hearing failure and take the next step of seeing an audiologist for a consultation. Take the initiative to learn more today and protect your hearing!

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