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Revealing the Causes of Hearing Loss
Posted by Audibel Hearing Aid Centers of MD and WV on May 30, 2014
It is estimated that a person with hearing loss waits anywhere from seven to ten years before seeking treatment. Yet, unlike vision loss which most people readily accept, part of the delay for treating hearing loss is due to a lack of understanding or denial for the underlying causes. In this blog we will explore the causes of hearing loss and options for seeking treatment.
There are actually a few different causes of hearing loss with the most common being sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss generally occurs when inner ear nerves are damaged and do not properly transmit sound signals to the brain. Your inner ear contains tiny hair cells. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause these hair cells to wither and die off. This type of hearing loss can also occur as a result of aging, injuries, illness or side-effects to medications.
Other individuals may experience hearing loss as a result of disorders with the inner and outer ear. This type of hearing loss is called conductive hearing loss and can result from ear infections, impacted earwax, malformation of the ear strictures or other issues. These factors can occur at birth or as a temporary dysfunction.
Lastly, both types of hearing loss can be combined for what is called mixed hearing loss. Individuals with mixed hearing loss not only have inner or outer ear problems, but also have reduced hearing due to aging and noise exposure. It is recommended to treat each factor separately to get the best treatment options.
Regardless of which type of hearing loss you, or a loved one, may have along the with related causes for the hearing loss, it is important to seek hearing care early to avoid communication and listening difficulties. We recommend having your hearing checked by one of our qualified specialists. If hearing aids are recommended for your type of hearing loss, don't delay in getting fit. Simply visit our Contact Us page to request a complimentary hearing consultation.
