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Hearing loss has been shown to be prominent in one out of every ten people to some degree. It is described as the inability to hear sounds emanating from the surrounding environment. The damage can range from mild to profound and is generally treatable with devices.

Hearing Loss Types:

- When the bones of the middle ear, the incus, malleus, and stapes (the smallest bones in the body) do not receive sound from the external ear, this is called Conductive Hearing Loss. This results in the inability to hear faint sounds.

- Sensorineural Hearing Loss is when damage has occurred to the inner ear or cohea. The cochea is the auditory nerve that sends electrical impulses to the brain. Damage to this nerve results in permanent hearing loss as it can no longer send impulses to the brain for interpretation.

- Damage to the outer, inner and middle ear is referred to as Mixed Hearing Loss. This occurs as a result of both previously mentioned afflictions being present.

- Central hearing Loss is when a tumor or abnormality is present in the brain or a non-malignant tumor is present in the ear canal causing sound not to be sent to the brain.

- When one ear is affected by an inability to hear it is referred to as Unilateral Hearing Loss.

How Hearing Loss Occurs:

There are many different causes for the inability to hear sounds. Some of these causes include:

- Loud sudden noises such as an explosion or airbag deployment – Family history (Genetics) – Repeated ear infections – Chronic illness such as diabetes – Puncture of the eardrum – Excessive Ear wax – Blockages such as ear wax, fluid, or mechanical obstruction – Lesions (tumors) – Trauma to the head – Viruses – Constant exposure to loud noises

A hearing deficit is measured in degrees of severity. A specialist will perform specific tests in order to conclude what type, cause, location and degree of hearing loss has occurred. These tests include:

- Tuning Fork testing or Weber’s Test

- Testing of the air and bone conduction or the Rinne Test

- Audiogram – measures hearing levels

- Speech testing

Treatment and Surgical procedures for hearing loss:

- A Hearing Aid

- A small incision is made in the ear drum where a tube is placed in order to drain the buildup of fluids inside the ear. This is also referred to as Myringotomy.

- A surgical procedure where manipulation of the stapes bone or complete replacement is performed also known as a Stapedectomy.

- Complete removal of a diseased Mastoid bone or the reconstruction of the eardrum also referred to as Tympanoplasty and Mastoid surgery.

- The removal of tumors or acoustic neuromas is called Translabyrinthine surgery.

- Middle Fossa and Retrosigmoid: Is the removal of small tumors

If you believe you have some type of hearing loss, consulting with a hearing professional for testing, diagnosis, and treatment will help you begin hearing the sounds coming from your environment again, and participating in the activities you enjoy.

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