Many different conditions can result in hearing loss and causes can be located in any part of the hearing system. At any age, hearing can be damaged gradually or suddenly, although most often loss is gradual and painless. The cause may be congenital (a disease or disorder present from birth), or acquired.
If the condition affects middle ear function, the resultant hearing loss is described as conductive. If the condition affects the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve, the hearing loss is described as sensori-neural or nerve loss.
Conductive hearing loss is essentially a mechanical problem with the conduction of sound vibrations - it occurs when something prevents the sound waves as they travel through the outer and middle ear. The causes of this type of hearing loss include:
Conductive loss can be acquired (like an ear drum perforation) or congenital (like atresia). It can also happen either on its own or in conjunction with sensori-neural hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss happens when the cochlea – the inner ear – is damaged. This is the part of the ear that turns sound into electrical information and sends it to the auditory nerve in the brain. This kind of hearing loss is permanent, and can be acquired or congenital.
Causes of an acquired sensorineural hearing damage include:
A congenital sensorineural hearing impairment may be the result of:
If you are concerned about your hearing health and would like to a free check-screening to determine whether you need treatment, click on the link below.