Living with hearing loss can make daily life more difficult, from struggling to keep up in work meetings to missing out on conversations with loved ones. You may find it harder to stay connected during phone calls or enjoy watching TV without extra effort. At Sonoran Audiology, we’ll start by running a few simple tests to see which type of hearing loss you have. Our audiologists recognize how vital everyday moments are, which is why we’re dedicated to improving your hearing through thorough testing and personalized treatment plans.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is an issue with how sound is transmitted to the inner ear and cochlea. People with this type of hearing loss may notice sounds are muffled or seem quieter than usual. Some common causes of conductive hearing loss include:
- Ear infections.
- Complete earwax blockages.
- Damage to the middle ear bones.
- A hole in the eardrum.
Conductive hearing loss can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause. After conducting a few simple tests, our audiologists can help determine the cause and provide the appropriate guidance.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent. It occurs when sensory receptors in the hearing system stop functioning as they used to. There are many causes of sensorineural hearing loss, including:
- Gene-based abnormalities, which a patient has had since birth.
- Damage to the hair cells often from trauma or over-exposure to noise.
- Age-related hearing health issues.
Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent, unlike conductive hearing loss, and often requires long-term management often with the use of hearing aids.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss means that you’re experiencing symptoms of both sensorineural and conductive loss. It can be caused by issues in the inner, outer and middle ears. This form of hearing loss may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause of your hearing loss. Treatment for mixed hearing loss often involves addressing temporary conductive issues with medical management, while wearing hearing aids to assist with long-term hearing needs.
The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
Treating hearing loss not only improves your ability to follow conversations but also helps reduce the risk of other health issues that can affect your quality of life. For example, untreated hearing loss often leads to emotional issues like:
- Irritability and anger.
- Fatigue, tension and stress.
- Depression and avoidance of social situations.
- Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety.
Untreated hearing loss can also affect cognitive health. When hearing has declined, the brain receives less stimulation, which may contribute to memory difficulties and an increased risk of cognitive decline over time.
Hearing loss happens gradually, but it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Our audiologists are here to guide you through the process, offering personalized solutions to help you adjust and improve your hearing with the right treatments and support.
