Hearing loss is a scary predicament, especially if you’re encountering profound hearing loss at an early age. Over 28 million people in the United States could benefit from hearing aids, and it’s reassuring to know that hearing loss is quite common. Still, it’s worthwhile to understand the four types of hearing loss you could encounter during your life.

Each case of hearing loss is unique, but they can be categorized under one of the four types of hearing loss and treated. Learning about your options will help you determine the next action and whether hearing aids are the right solution.

Luckily, you’ve found this helpful guide to the four types of hearing loss you could encounter as you age. Continue reading to learn more today!

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss results from sound waves failing to reach the inner ear. Faint sounds become more difficult to hear and discern when you have conductive hearing loss. The most common causes of this severe hearing loss are blockages in the ear, damage to the bones in the ear, and congenital disabilities.

It’s possible to treat conductive hearing loss with surgery or modern medicine. Most audiologists recommend trying hearing aids before opting for surgery. Here’s a closer look at a complete guide to hearing aids for your hearing loss.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is another of the four types of hearing loss you’ll encounter. This form of hearing loss is related to nerve damage in the ear. Exposure to loud noises, trauma, disease, and aging are common causes of sensorineural hearing loss.

Your treatment options are determined by the root cause of your hearing loss and its severity. Hearing aids are a standard solution since this type of hearing loss is often permanent.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss occurs when a patient has sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Doctors recommend fixing the conductive hearing loss first since it’s a more straightforward treatment process than sensorineural hearing loss. You’ll have a clear baseline for treatment and the success of your options.

Surgery and hearing aids are both viable solutions to mixed hearing loss. Surgery is also the best long-term solution for severe hearing loss.

4. Auditory Neuropathy

Auditory neuropathy is a complex form of hearing loss. It results from the sound correctly entering the ear, interrupting the signal before it reaches the brain. The brain struggles to comprehend the sound the ear is capturing.

Visual communication is common with this form of severe hearing loss. Cochlear implants are another viable solution to get your hearing back.

Now You Know the Four Types of Hearing Loss

Understanding the four types of hearing loss is critical when noticing your hearing ability diminishing. Hearing aids and surgery are options for treatment for all types of hearing loss, though they’re most effective with mixed and conductive hearing loss. Early diagnosis is the best chance to get treatment and retain your hearing abilities.

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