There are different forms of hearing loss, medically Hypoacusis. Although the symptoms are similar, the causes of hearing loss are different. There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed conductive/ sensorineural hearing loss. While most types of hearing loss are not reversible, they can be managed by using hearing aids.

Hearing loss due to blockages in the ear canal

In conductive hearing loss, the sound waves reach the inside of the ear at a reduced level or not at all.

Most often, the cause is in the ear canal, in the form of a malformation or blockage. If a conductive hearing loss is located in the middle ear, it is often caused by an infection or the interruption of the ossicular chain.

This type of hearing loss can significantly reduce hearing ability. Those affected perceive everyday sounds much more quietly. They often have the feeling of hearing through cotton wool.

Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear

If a sensorineural hearing loss is mentioned, it is usually the inner ear that is affected. Although the sound waves are correctly transported by the eardrum and the ossicles, they are not properly processed and transmitted afterwards.

In most cases, sensorineural hearing loss damages the fine hair cells in the inner ear, which normally convert sound into electrical signals and a sign of aging.

A sensorineural hearing loss developed through continuous exposure to noise is called noise-induced hearing loss. It is the occupational disease with the most recognised cases globally.

Brain related hearing loss

In rare forms of hearing loss, the person affected can hear sound signals but can no longer understand them. Although the signals are correctly transmitted and also arrive in the brain, they are processed incorrectly there.

This can be caused, for example, by a previous stroke, inflammation of the brain or a cerebral haemorrhage.

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