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Hearing loss is defined as the inability to partially or completely hear sounds in one or both the ears.

TYPES

1. Conductive hearing loss

2. Sensorineural hearing loss

3. Mixed hearing loss


SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

• Most common type.

• Occurs when inner ear nerves are damaged and do not properly transmit sound signals to the brain.

• Affected part: Inner ear or sensory organ (cochlea and associated structure) or the vestibulocochlear nerve

• can be congenital or acquired


CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS

• Occurs when there is a problem transferring sound waves anywhere along the pathway through the outer ear, TM, or middle ear.

• Most conductive hearing loss can be treated medically and surgically.


MIXED HEARING LOSS


Occurs when conductive hearing loss in conjunction with sensorineural hearing loss.

Degree of hearing loss varies from Mild to Profound.

Causes of Hearing loss

Various factors like:

• Age,

• Hereditary

• Exposure to loud sounds

• Middle ear pathologies

• Medications

• Trauma or accidents

Other factors like the type of hearing loss, etiology, patient's need & expectations, Audiogram patterns etc are taken into account before advising on the appropriate management methods.