According to statistics, there are an estimated 600,000 people across all age groups in the United States living with hearing loss, and more than half of these people are over 65 years of age.
If you suspect that you may be one of these people, check out this brief guide and learn some strategies to help you live well with the condition.
Types of Hearing Loss
The following are the basic types of hearing loss, which are determined based on which part of the ear is affected.
1.) Conductive Hearing Loss
A conductive hearing loss occurs when there is an obstruction or damage to the outer and middle ear, resulting in the inability to perceive soft sounds or difficulty making out louder sounds.
Common causes of conductive hearing loss include:
- Allergies and colds
- Benign tumors
- Ear infections
- Earwax buildup
- Objects trapped in the ear
- Scarring in the ear canal
Most cases of conductive hearing loss are not permanent and can be treated with medications or surgery. However, cases caused by auditory canal stenosis (narrowing of the ear canal) and other types of abnormalities, are considered a permanent hearing loss and can only be treated with either bone-anchored implantable devices or standard hearing aids.
2.) Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type, occurs when there is damage to the auditory nerve or the microscopic hair-like structures of the inner ear (cilia), which prevents or inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain.
Causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Congenital problems (malformation of the ear structure)
- Exposure to excessive noise
- Genetic factors
- Infections
- Ototoxic medications (drugs that damage the ear)
- Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)
- Trauma to the head
Since sensorineural hearing loss is irreversible, medical and surgical interventions are not an option. The condition can only be treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants, depending on the severity of the hearing loss.
3.) Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle and the inner ear, thus a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Since mixed hearing loss is conductive and sensorineural hearing loss combined, it occurs due to the same factors that cause the two conditions:
- Advancing age (after age 65)
- Certain medications
- Congenital conditions (malformation of the ear structure)
- Exposure to excessive noise
- Genetic factors
- Tumors and certain diseases
Treatment options for this type of hearing loss will be based on whether it is more conductive or sensorineural in nature. If the hearing loss is significantly caused by a conductive component, surgery and other medical treatments may be used to address it. Otherwise, an implantable device or a hearing aid will likely be recommended.
Coping with Hearing Loss
Healthy coping mechanisms are essential especially for cases of hearing loss that is irreversible. Regardless of which type of hearing loss you have, here are some things you can do to cope:
- See a hearing specialist. The best thing you can do is to consult your local ENT about possible treatment options. A hearing aid or cochlear implant will help you live a decent quality of life despite your condition.
- Let people know that you have hearing problems. Inform the people around you about your situation. This enables them to be more considerate and more patient with you and adjust to your situation.
Pay attention to their gestures and facial expressions when talking and don’t hesitate to ask them to reword what they said to help you understand better.
- Learn to lipread. This takes time, patience, and practice to develop, but it will definitely help you over the long run—especially when paired with a hearing device. This helps you make out what other people are saying, especially in an environment where there is so much background noise.
Hearing Loss Treatment in Georgetown, TX
Here at Georgetown ENT, our hearing loss specialists see patients of all ages and are dedicated to addressing not only hearing loss but also ensuring that the care and solutions we provide greatly benefit each of our patient’s unique preferences and needs.
We will perform a comprehensive evaluation, which includes hearing and balance tests, to pinpoint the cause and rule out other conditions that may be affecting your hearing (ear infections, earwax buildup, among others). As soon as we confirm a diagnosis, we will recommend the type of treatment that best addresses your condition.
Contact Georgetown ENT in Georgetown, Texas, today for a consultation with us. You can call us at (512) 869-0604 or request an appointment now.
