Types of Hearing Loss
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive: A problem with the outer or middle ear, conductive hearing loss is often medically or surgically treatable. A common example is chronic middle ear infection.
Sensorineural: The most common type, sensorineural hearing loss is a problem with the inner ear or the hearing nerve, is usually permanent, and can be rehabilitated with amplification through hearing aids.
Causes of Hearing Loss:
- Aging
- Repeated exposure to loud noises
- Infections
- Injuries to the head or ear
- Birth defects or genetics
- Ototoxic reaction to drugs or cancer treatment such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, or radiation
Common Signs of Hearing Loss
You may...
- Hear but not understand people
- Have difficulty understanding radio, television or public address systems
- Need to watch a person's lips in order to understand
- Find yourself asking people to repeat what they have said
- Pretend to understand
- May avoid people and isolate yourself
- May find it emotionally and physically exhausting to communicate
- Think that you are the only one who has these difficulties
Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss
Many people put off getting help for their hearing loss because they think it's insignificant – something they can deal with by simply turning the TV louder or asking friends to repeat themselves. But research has linked untreated hearing loss to significant issues such as:
- Irritability, negativism and anger
- Fatigue, tension, stress and depression
- Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations
- Social rejection and loneliness
- Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety
- Impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks
- Reduced job performance and earning power
- Diminished psychological and overall health
*Information from betterhearing.org.
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