As the name suggests, conductive hearing loss refers to the ability or non ability of the outer ear to conduct sound via the ear canal to the middle ear. Hearing loss due to ear wax build up or a slight infection is temporary and often clears up naturally although you may need some medication for the temporary discomfort as long as it lasts. What causes the blocked ability to hear? Well it could be for any number of reasons the most common of which are things like the simple allergy or a cold (we are all familiar with that ‘blocked up’ feeling) which fills the ear with fluid and stops it performing so efficiently. Or the problem could be due to the existence of a benign tumor, a foreign object stuck in the ear or a perforated ear drum or fracture. These are the most common reasons.

Most times hearing loss of this sort will either clear up by itself over time, may be treated with medications or ear washing, or may be treated by surgery. remember, whatever hearing problem you are experiencing, it is always best to get it checked by a doctor or health professional in order to choose the best method of treatment.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss then the condition is a little more serious than the case above. ‘Neural’ is to do with nerves and the nerve pathways from the ear to the
brain and ‘sensori’ refers to the way the nerve sensors work, or not, as the case may be.

Damage to the inner ear, as opposed to the outer or middle part, in the sensitive area of the cochlea or damage to the nerves themselves can result in a permanent loss that cannot be reversed. Although the degree of hearing loss may not be a complete loss the hearing left may nevertheless be of very poor quality and make it almost impossible to understand a normal conversation.

Hearing impairment is not always down to old age alone because it can start quite early in life, even at birth as a result of injury or genetic inheritance. It can also happen any time as a consequence of taking medications where hearing loss turns up as one of the side effects, such as from taking certain diuretics or chemotherapy medications. This kind of hearing loss is known as ototoxic hearing loss. Hearing impairment can also come about as a result of contracting a virus or disease such as rubella, meningitis or Meniere’s disease. High levels of noise, especially if continued over a period of time can damage the cochlea and its sensitive hair cells and lead, in the end result, to what is termed noise-induced hearing loss.

It may come about simply as a natural part of the aging process too and in this case the degenerative loss of hearing is categorised as presbycusis.Mixed hearing loss is the result of damage to both the outer or middle ear and to the inner ear cochlea or auditory nerve at the same time.

Measuring the degree of hearing loss is usually done by testing the threshold at which you can detect sound and this is measured in decibles. Normal hearing is around the 10-15 decible range, whereas profound hearing loss would be be recorded at over 90 decibles.

More tips, advice and information about all types of hearing loss, symptoms, causes and treatment is available at www.conductivehearinglossandtreatments.com

There is more than one kind of hearing aid, and each has its pros and cons. You need to discuss your requirements with a trained medical professional before you choose a hearing aid. Before purchasing one of these devices, be sure to have your hearing checked by the audiologist. Your hearing problems might be the result of health problems such as an ear infection, a tumor or simply too much wax in your ears.

One of the favorite hearing aids today is the behind the ear (BTE) model. BTE’s are small and convenient. In fact, they’re so small that most people don’t even notice them. Even people with severe hearing loss can use the BTEs. BTE offers binaural hearing aid technology, meaning that sound is received at ear level. Other alternatives include “in the ear” and “in the ear canal” styles. They each have properties that are appropriate for specific hearing issues, which makes it essential that you consult with a medical professional before buying one.

You also need to give yourself an appropriate amount of time to adapt to any model of hearing aid. You’ll need to allow 30 days or more to become accustomed to a hearing aid. During this time you can evaluate its usefulness and comfort. Keep in mind that these products won’t completely get rid of background noise and restore your hearing to what it used to be.

Many people these days are experiencing hearing problems, but they are reluctant to start using a hearing aid since they believe that it will make them look older. But today’s sleek and compact styles can be the answer to that problem. And certainly, wearing a hearing aid is preferable to not being able to follow the conversation around you. A properly fitting hearing device can improve your social interactions to a huge extent, making you feel like you’re part of the crowd once again.