Hearing loss can impact everything from communication with loved ones to your ability to work, making it incredibly overwhelming. Fortunately, by understanding the causes and the treatments that are available, you can maintain your quality of life. Here is more information about the different types of hearing loss and how audiologists can help. 

Understanding Hearing Loss

How Are Conductive & Sensorineural Hearing Loss Different?

Conductive hearing loss occurs due to issues in the ear canal, eardrum, or the small bones of the ear. It can be caused by tumors, impacted earwax, foreign objects, severe ear infections, poor Eustachian tube function, or even hereditary conditions. 

On the other hand, Sensorineural hearing loss happens due to issues with the nerve impulses that go from the inner ear to the brain. It’s commonly caused by physical trauma to the head, Ménière’s disease, aging, or viruses that cause nerve damage. Patients can also struggle with mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural loss. 

How Can Your Doctor Help? 

Fortunately, hearing conditions are highly treatable. After doing a physical examination of the ears, audiologists perform hearing tests to determine the level of your hearing impairment. Conductive hearing loss can be treated through surgeries to repair the ear, or antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate infections. On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss is treated with corticosteroids, emergency surgery, dietary management, or the treatment of other ongoing medical conditions. If your hearing loss is permanent, both varieties can be treated by using hearing aids or assistive listening devices. 

If you are struggling with any form of hearing loss, the team at County Hearing And Balance in New Haven County, CT, can help. With a commitment to improving the lives of their patients through proper diagnoses and an ongoing support system, this trusted hearing loss clinic has been helping clients for over 40 years. Learn more about their services by visiting their website, or call (203) 245-1950 to schedule an appointment.