Hearing loss is a common problem, although many people are reluctant to admit that they may be experiencing difficulties. There are different forms of hearing loss, and which form you experience will affect potential treatments, including reversibility.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common form of hearing loss and is caused by damage or defects in the inner ear, particularly the small, hairlike cells known as cilia, or the auditory nerve. This can be the result of a condition such as Meniere’s disease
The damage is generally irreversible, but individuals may benefit from hearing aids or cochlear implants. Hearing aids amplify sound to make it more audible, while cochlear implants are a way of bypassing the damaged area to reach the auditory nerve directly.
You will need to consult an audiologist, such as those at https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol/, to ensure an accurate assessment of your hearing and for advice on the most appropriate treatment.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss may involve damage to the middle or outer ear, but the inner ear remains fully functional. Structural abnormalities in the ear may not be fixable, but again a hearing aid may be able to improve audibility.
Another potential cause of conductive hearing loss is when something physically obstructs the sound from travelling into the inner ear. If this blockage is removed, then hearing may be restored.
Some blockages, such as wax, can be removed by audiologists such as those at https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol/, but others, like growths, may require surgery. If the blockage originated with an infection, then it can be treated with antibiotics.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Some hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive. In these cases, you may only be able to treat one cause, or you may need multiple approaches to deal with the different aspects.
If you are experiencing hearing loss, it is important to see a professional and receive a formal diagnosis so you can take steps to mitigate its impact. You may be able to remove the cause of the hearing loss and restore your hearing.
