Types Of Hearing Loss

Physiology Of Hearing

Sound waves collected by the outer ear travel along the ear canal to the eardrum.

The sound waves hit the eardrum and cause vibrations which are transmitted via 3 small bones in the middle ear (Ossicles) to the inner ear.

Inside the inner ear is the Cochlea (Sensory organ) and Semicicular Canal (Balance Organ).

There are receptor hair cells & fluids inside the cochlea. The vibrations from the middle ear cause the fluid to move which in turn moves the receptor hair cells causing nerve impulses that brain decodes as sound.

Hearing Loss Can Be Of 3 Types

Conductive Hearing Loss

Disorder of tthe outer and / or middle ear which results in difficulty in hearing. This is commonly treated medically or throuth ear surgery.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Nerve Deafness)

Disorder of the inner ear and / or auditory nerve. Such hearing loss is irreversible. Tremendous advances in hearing instrument technology enables most patients to be significantly rehabilitated.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Contains elements of both Conductive & Sensorineural hearing loss.