Types of Hearing Loss Explained by an Audiologist

As a leading independent private audiology clinic in Loudwater, High Wycombe, we at Buckinghamshire Hearing believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. Understanding the nature of your hearing loss is the first step towards effective management and treatment. Hearing loss is not a single condition; it is a complex issue with various causes and presentations. In this guide, we will delve into the clinical classifications of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.

Our approach at our High Wycombe clinic is to provide a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to pinpoint the exact nature of your hearing loss. This allows us to create a bespoke treatment plan, which may include state-of-the-art hearing aids or other interventions. A thorough hearing test is the cornerstone of this process.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most prevalent type of hearing loss we encounter at our practice. It originates in the inner ear (the cochlea) or along the auditory nerve pathway to the brain. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent and affects the clarity and loudness of sound.

Causes and Characteristics of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• **Ageing (Presbycusis):** The natural decline of hearing function over time.
• **Noise Exposure:** Prolonged exposure to loud noise is a significant contributor.
• **Genetic Factors:** A family history of hearing loss can increase your risk.
• **Ototoxic Medications:** Certain drugs can damage the inner ear.
• **Medical Conditions:** Conditions such as Meniere's disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can impact hearing.

Patients with sensorineural hearing loss often report that they can hear people speaking but struggle to understand the words, especially in noisy environments. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is also a common symptom.

Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

While sensorineural hearing loss cannot be reversed, it can be effectively managed. The most common and effective treatment is the fitting of digital hearing aids. At our Loudwater clinic, we offer a wide range of advanced hearing aid technology to suit individual needs and preferences. For profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may be an option.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the outer or middle ear that prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear. Unlike sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss can often be treated medically or surgically.

Causes and Characteristics of Conductive Hearing Loss

Common causes of conductive hearing loss include:

• **Obstructions in the ear canal:** Such as earwax (cerumen) buildup.
• **Middle ear infections (Otitis Media):** Fluid in the middle ear can impede sound transmission.
• **Perforated eardrum:** A hole in the eardrum can reduce the efficiency of sound transfer.
• **Otosclerosis:** An abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear.
• **Damage to the ossicles:** The small bones of the middle ear.

Individuals with conductive hearing loss may experience a general reduction in sound level, and their own voice may sound louder to them.

Treatment for Conductive Hearing Loss

Treatment for conductive hearing loss depends on the underlying cause. It may involve:

• **Removal of earwax:** A simple and effective procedure we perform at our clinic.
• **Antibiotics:** For middle ear infections.
• **Surgery:** To repair a perforated eardrum or address otosclerosis.
• **Bone conduction hearing aids or a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA):** For cases where conventional hearing aids are not suitable.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This means there is damage to both the outer/middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Causes and Characteristics of Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss can occur when a person with pre-existing sensorineural hearing loss develops a conductive hearing loss, or vice versa. For example, an older adult with presbycusis might also have a buildup of earwax.

The symptoms of mixed hearing loss are a combination of those seen in both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Treatment for Mixed Hearing Loss

Treatment for mixed hearing loss addresses both the conductive and sensorineural components. This may involve a combination of medical/surgical treatment for the conductive component and the fitting of hearing aids for the sensorineural component.

If you suspect you have any form of hearing loss, the first step is to book a comprehensive hearing test at our private audiology clinic in High Wycombe. Our experienced audiologists will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss. We will then discuss the results with you and recommend the most appropriate course of action.