Hearing loss is a complicated process that can encompass any number of contributing factors. The types of hearing loss described below are meant to give a general understanding of what can go wrong.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss is the most common type of hearing loss (approximately 90% of all people with hearing loss fall into this category) and often follows a predictable pattern of hearing deterioration. It occurs when the delicate sensory cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve itself become damaged. Hearing can seem distorted or fuzzy, somewhat like a radio that s not quite tuned in. There are many causes for Sensorineural hearing loss, including:

• cumulative effects of environmental noise exposure
• aging
• loss of or damage to sensory receptors in the inner ear (hair cells)
• certain medications known to cause hearing loss, including chemotherapy
• genetic conditions or hereditary factors
• trauma
• certain disease processes and conditions

Sensorineural hearing loss is not usually medically or surgically treated. However, most individuals with this type of hearing impairment find hearing aids to be of significant benefit.

The most common type of Sensorineural hearing loss is called Presbyacusis, which is the gradual hearing loss due to changes in the inner ear and nerve pathways to the brain that occurs as people age.

• speech of others sounds mumbled or slurred
• high-pitched sounds, such as "s" or "th" are hard to distinguish
• conversations, especially when there is background noise, are difficult to understand
• men's voices are easier to hear than women's
• some sounds seem overly loud and annoying
• ringing (tinnitus) may occur in one or both ears

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss results when outer and/or middle portions of the ear fail to work properly. Sounds become "blocked" and are not carried all the way to the inner ear, where hearing may still be normal. It is almost always medically treatable and often reversible. Possible causes of a conductive loss include:

• buildup of fluid in the middle ear
• wax in the ear canal
• puncture of the ear drum
• problems or injury to middle ear bones
• growth in middle ear space or external ear canal

Quality of Life Issues

Hearing loss interferes with communication abilities and can dramatically impact a person's quality of life. Studies have shown that, if left untreated, sensory deprivation resulting from hearing loss can lead to isolation from social interaction with family and friends, and sometimes depression. Relationships may begin to suffer and the individual may find him/herself withdrawing from social interaction.

Many people do not seek help for hearing loss because of the perceived stigma and/or expense of wearing a hearing aid. A great way to get started back on the road to better communication is to equip yourself with hearing aids.

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