Causes of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural Hearing Loss ("Nerve Deafness") -- involves
damage to the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by aging,
prenatal and birth-related problems, viral and bacterial infections (respiratory
infections, measles, scarlet fever, etc.), heredity, trauma, exposure to
loud noises, prolonged exposure to noisy environments in the past, and even use of certain drugs. A sensorineural hearing loss is best managed with properly made prescription hearing aids.
"Most people with sensorineural hearing impairment now can be helped
to hear better with properly fitted hearing aids," writes
Gale Gardner, M.D., world-renowned ear specialist and author
of Nerve Deafness and You. Dr. Gardner emphasizes that most --in
fact, 95 percent -- of all hearing aid wearers have a sensorineural hearing
loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss -- involves the outer and middle ear.
Conductive hearing loss can result from a blockage of wax, a punctured
eardrum, birth defects, ear infections, or heredity. A conductive hearing
loss often can be corrected medically or surgically.
Your hearing healthcare provider can determine which type of hearing loss you have and the necessary steps for you to take by performing a thorough hearing evaluation.
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Herkimer Hearing Aid Center
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