What causes hearing loss?
There are three different kinds of hearing loss, categorized by the part of the ear that is damaged or malfunctioning.
Conductive hearing loss
Hearing loss caused by problems in your middle ear, eardrum, or ear canal is often considered conductive and may be the result of:
- Structural abnormalities in the middle ear, ear canal, or outer ear
- Eustachian tube malfunction
- Infections in the middle ear or ear canal
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Perforated eardrum
- Otosclerosis
Sensorineural hearing loss
Also known as nerve-related hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is related to problems in the middle ear, such as:
- Acute or long-term exposure to loud noises
- Trauma to the head or neck
- Hereditary hearing loss
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
- Abnormality of the inner ear
- Meniere’s disease
Mixed hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss is due to both conductive and sensorineural issues. It could be caused by damage to your outer, middle, or inner ear, or the auditory nerve.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
Hearing loss often occurs gradually so you may not notice it immediately, and it can have both social and emotional effects.
The social impacts of hearing loss include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Thinking people are mumbling or they sound muffled
- Struggling to follow conversations involving more than two people
- Turning the volume up on the TV or radio
- Having tinnitus or ringing in your ears
Emotional signs of hearing loss include feeling:
- Annoyed at people because you can’t understand what they’re saying
- Stressed from straining to listen
- Nervous about understanding and responding appropriately
- The need to withdraw from social situations because of these frustrations
How is hearing loss diagnosed?
Your Lakeshore ENT doctor conducts a physical exam and hearing tests to confirm that you have hearing loss and diagnose the type. As part of your physical exam, your doctor looks into your ears and nose to check for signs of inflammation and blockages that could disrupt your hearing.
They use a variety of tests to check for hearing loss, including audiometer tests, tuning fork tests, and general screenings to gauge your hearing loss.
How is hearing loss treated?
Treatment depends on the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing and its cause. For example, if earwax blocks sound, your doctor may remove the wax plug. Alternatively, if you’re suffering from chronic sinusitis and congestion, or fluid buildup is affecting your hearing, your doctor treats the infection.
You might also benefit from a hearing aid. The team at Lakeshore ENT manages the Professional Hearing Aid Center, with locations in St. Clair Shores, Macomb Township, Rochester, and Sterling Heights. These centers offer a wide range of hearing aids to choose from, as well as on-site repair.
Your Lakeshore ENT doctor discusses all of your treatment options and answers your questions to help you make an informed choice about how to address your hearing loss. Call or make an appointment online today.
*Click here to visit our Professional Hearing Aid Center website
