Hearing Loss: 4 Types and Their Usual Effects on People
Hearing loss is a common problem worldwide. About five percent of the population needs rehabilitation for their “disabling” hearing loss. The World Health Organization estimates that one in every ten people will experience the same problem by 2050. Therefore, people should understand hearing loss, its risks, and how it happens to address the disorder adequately.
1. Conductive Hearing Loss
The most common type of hearing loss is conductive hearing loss. It occurs when there is a problem with the external or middle ear. Once these waves hit the cochlea, the hair cells inside can signal the auditory nerve. However, the problem lies when the eardrum gets damaged due to loud sounds, ear infections, water, or old age. Conductive hearing loss makes it difficult for the cochlea to send signals to the brain.
2. Mixed Hearing Loss
One of the most common problems affecting the patient is a mixed hearing loss. It happens when the person suffers from both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss resulting from aging. It’s common for the elderly to lose their hearing with time because the number of hair cells in the cochlea decreases as the years pass by. The condition usually leads to a slow loss of hearing.
3. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
The other type of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss. It affects the nerve responsible for sending the signals from the cochlea to the brain, the auditory nerve. Nerve failure is the first stage of hearing loss. Therefore, when someone says they feel a ringing in their ears, it is because of sensorineural hearing loss.
It’s common for people with this hearing loss to have high-frequency hearing loss. As a result, people affected by it will encounter difficulty understanding speech. Most adults experience this type of hearing loss, often needing an examination from an audiologist.
4. Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder occurs when the damage affects the auditory nerve. It can result from repeated exposure to loud sounds. A decreased hearing sensitivity usually indicates the cases of the condition.
On the other hand, central hearing loss is associated with a significant auditory processing disorder. It occurs when there is a problem with the auditory cortex or the brain. The condition can be caused by a stroke, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or epilepsy. It is a highly complex disorder, making some patients undergo treatment and rehabilitation.
Best Practices to Prevent Hearing Loss
Avoiding loud sounds is the first step to preventing hearing loss. It’s best to wear earplugs or earmuffs where loud sounds are present. Earplugs can be acquired from a local drugstore. They come in different sizes and can be customized for different ears. You can also use earmuffs or earplugs if you regularly use power tools. You must always wear ear muffs when you’re at a shooting range or attending a loud concert or play.
In some cases, sensorineural hearing loss can also be caused by medications, especially antibiotics. People who are taking antibiotics should constantly be carefully monitored. If they can’t understand anything that’s being said, they need to immediately consult the doctor and discontinue the use of the antibiotic.
Conclusion
People need to understand the differences between these hearing disorders. By understanding the differences between each, one can then determine the cause and avoid it. Dealing with this hearing loss requires patience and determination. Hearing aids are effective in improving the lives of people with hearing loss.
HearGlow is one of the best online hearing aid stores in the country. Aside from providing affordable hearing devices, we also offer hearing aid batteries for replacement. Our discreet yet effective hearing devices help our clients listen to sound better once again. Check out HearGlow reviews today and get yourself fitted for a personal hearing aid.
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