The Different Types of Hearing Loss Explained
Understanding Hearing Loss with Modern Audiology Lakewood
Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact one’s quality of life. At Modern Audiology Lakewood, our expert audiologists are dedicated to providing comprehensive hearing care, including detailed explanations of the different types of hearing loss. Understanding your specific type of hearing loss is the first step toward finding the right hearing aids and treatment. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of hearing loss and how our services can help you.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently pass through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss can result from various conditions, such as ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, earwax buildup, or structural abnormalities.
Symptoms:
- Muffled or reduced hearing in one or both ears
- Difficulty hearing soft sounds
- Easier time hearing loud sounds
Treatment:
- Medical treatment for infections or fluid buildup
- Removal of earwax blockages
- Hearing aids to amplify sound
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type and occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is often permanent and can result from aging, noise exposure, genetic factors, or certain medical conditions.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Hearing distorted or muffled sounds
- Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds
Treatment:
- Hearing aids to improve sound clarity
- Cochlear implants in severe cases
- Protecting ears from further damage
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This means there is damage in both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Symptoms:
- Combination of symptoms from conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
- Varies depending on the severity and cause
Treatment:
- Addressing the conductive component with medical treatment
- Using hearing aids to manage the sensorineural component
- Regular hearing tests to monitor changes
Auditory Processing Disorders
Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) occur when the brain has difficulty processing sounds. This type of hearing loss is not due to problems with the ears themselves but rather how the brain interprets auditory information.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty following spoken directions
- Trouble distinguishing between similar sounds
- Problems understanding speech in noisy environments
Treatment:
- Auditory training programs
- Speech therapy
- Using assistive listening devices
Hearing Test Lakewood: Your First Step
At Modern Audiology Lakewood, we provide comprehensive hearing tests to accurately diagnose the type and extent of your hearing loss. Our expert audiologists in Lakewood will conduct thorough evaluations, including:
- Pure-tone testing
- Speech recognition testing
- Tympanometry
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing
These tests help us determine the best treatment options for your specific needs.
Hearing Aids Lakewood: Personalized Solutions
Choosing the right hearing aids is crucial for managing your hearing loss effectively. At Modern Audiology Lakewood, our hearing aid experts will guide you through the selection process, considering your lifestyle, preferences, and hearing needs. We offer a wide range of hearing aids, including:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Expert Guidance and Support
Our team of audiologists at Modern Audiology Lakewood is dedicated to providing personalized care and support throughout your hearing journey. From your initial hearing test to selecting and fitting your hearing aids, we are here to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of hearing loss is essential for finding the right treatment and improving your quality of life. At Modern Audiology Lakewood, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. Schedule a hearing test in Lakewood today and let our expert audiologists guide you towards better hearing health. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can support your hearing journey.