1. Conductive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss caused by problems with the ear canal, ear drum or the tiny bones in your middle ear. Conductive Hearing Loss can be a result of the following scenarios:
- Malformation of the ear structure due to head trauma or hereditary disorders, including Otosclerosis
- Fluid in the middle ear from allergies, a cold or an ear infection
- Perforated eardrum
- A blockage from impacted earwax or a foreign object in the ear
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Also known as nerve-related hearing loss, SNHL is caused by problems of the inner ear. Sensorineural Hearing Loss is often caused by the following situations:
- An event in your environment, like a loud noise, head trauma or a sudden change in air pressure (airplane descent)
- Aging, hereditary issues and malformation of the inner ear
- Virus or diseases including Ménière’s disease and Otosclerosis
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
You guessed it — mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural damage.
Treatment options
“The first thing to remember about treatment is prevention — hearing loss from exposure to a loud noise can’t be reversed, but it is usually preventable,” says Kim Galick, owner of Ears Hearing in Langley. “If you suspect you have hearing loss, talk to your hearing health care professional about treatment options.”
- Removing wax: Your doctor may remove earwax using suction, or a small tool with a loop on the end.
- Surgical procedures: Some types of hearing loss can be treated with surgery, including some types of Conductive Hearing Loss. “If you’ve had repeated ear infections with persistent fluid, your doctor may insert small tubes that help your ears drain,” Galick says.
- Hearing aids: If your hearing loss is due to damage to your inner ear, a hearing aid can be helpful. “Ears Hearing is a totally independent, locally owned business, which means we’re not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer and have no obligation to prescribe a specific brand. Our only goal is to find the right solution for YOU,” Galick says.
- Cochlear implants: “If your hearing loss is more severe and conventional hearing aids are only having a limited benefit, a cochlear implant may be an option,” Galick says. A cochlear implant bypasses damaged or nonworking parts of your inner ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve, rather than amplifying sound and sending it through your ear canal. Talk with your doctor and hearing specialists about the risks and benefits.
For more hearing tips follow Ears Hearing on Facebook. If you’re experiencing hearing struggles, book a free appointment with Ears Hearing by calling 604-427-2828 or emailing info@earslangley.com. There are a range of hearing aid options for different lifestyles and hearing needs, and Galick can help you find the solution that’s best for you.
Find Ears Hearing at Unit C 20568 56 Ave. in Langley and online at earslangley.com.