|
 3 Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural – Inner Ear
Deterioration of the way the cochlea works in transmitting signals (nerve impulses) that we understand as intelligible sounds. The causes include aging and exposure to loud noise and results from damage to the tiny sensory or ‘hair cells’ which do not regenerate making the hearing loss permanent.
Conductive – Middle Ear
This is when the eardrum, bones and membranes don’t transmit vibrations properly to the inner ear (cochlea). Causes can be traumatic injuries to the head, birth defects or conditions such as otosclerosis – which is often an inherited condition. Also often caused by ‘glue ear’ or fluid in the middle ear and is common in young children. This type of hearing loss is usually temporary and can sometimes be treated medically.
Combined Hearing Loss
A mixture of inner ear (sensorineural) and middle ear (conductive) hearing loss.
Note: 90% of hearing loss in adults is due to inner ear damage affecting both ears. The usual treatment is the fitting of hearing aids to both ears.
Exposure to Noise in the Workplace
This is a very common cause of hearing loss in New Zealand. This loss is permanent. Workers in such occupations as the building trades, farming, forestry, engineering, earthmoving, are at particular risk of developing permanent hearing loss.
Such hearing loss develops gradually over time, often quite a number of years. It may also be indicated by ringing in the ears or Tinnitus. Amongst this group of people the most common complaint is not being able to hear in social situations.
|
