Most hearing loss comes in three forms - Sensorineural, conductive, and a mix between the two. Sensorineural hearing loss, which is more common, is hearing loss that is due to malfunction of the inner ear (cochlea and specific cells called ‘hair cells’), the nerve leading from the ear to the brain stem, or the brain and brain stem itself. With conductive hearing loss, there is a mechanical problem with the ear canal, ear drum or middle ear, so sound is not transmitted to the inner ear properly.
The effects of hearing loss can be bothersome at any age, but are particularly devastating in the very young and in the old. In children, hearing loss can delay or prevent speech development and can lead to significant academic and behavioral difficulties in school. In the elderly, hearing loss is associated with dementia, depression, loneliness, and falls. Studies have suggested that treating hearing loss may benefit patients at risk for cognitive decline.
Sensorineural hearing loss is generally treated with hearing aids, or in cases of severe and profound hearing loss, cochlear implantation. Asymmetric hearing loss, or loss that progresses noticeably over weeks or months, needs to be formally evaluated by a health care provider. Hearing loss that occurs suddenly needs to be addressed within days. Unfortunately, outside of the acute period, sensorineural hearing loss is almost always permanent.
Conductive hearing loss can be caused by damage to the tiny middle ear bones called ossicles due to trauma, surgery, cholesteatoma, or fixation of one or more ossicles in diseases such as otosclerosis or scarring. Operating on the ossicles takes patience and skill, but can be performed effectively by a qualified and experienced surgeon.
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