Hearing loss can be an uncomfortable condition for approximately one in eight Americans, but did you know there are several types of hearing loss? More importantly, there are different ways of treating each type of hearing loss.
Conductive, sensorineural, and mixed types of hearing loss all cause difficulty hearing soft sounds, and even potentially louder sounds, but there are some key differences in how they are caused and treated.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves are blocked from passing through the outer or middle ear. Some of the common causes of conductive hearing loss include:
Impacted earwax
A foreign object stuck in the ear canal
An ear infection
Fluid in the middle ear
A hole in the eardrum
A structural abnormality
This is commonly seen in children when they’ve stuck something in their ear, or if they have frequent ear infections. The good news about conductive hearing loss is it is often treatable with medications, surgery, or a combination of the two.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear. Some of the common causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:
Genetic conditions
General aging
A head injury
Exposure to loud noises or explosions
Certain diseases
Some medications
While sensorineural may be the most common type of hearing loss, it can be more difficult to treat than conductive, and often isn’t reversable. It can, however, be helped with hearing aids. Many people who suffer with sensorineural hearing loss find this to be a helpful option.
Some people affected by hearing loss can actually have a combination of both conductive and sensorineural. One may present before the other, or they can occur at the same time. The causes of mixed hearing loss can be the same as other types of hearing loss, and there may be more than one condition affecting your hearing.
Understanding the type of hearing loss you or your loved one are dealing with can have a huge impact on how you go about treatment. You may decide with your hearing care provider that you can pursue medication or surgery, or you may decide it’s best to get fitted for a hearing aid. Knowing more about the condition causing your hearing loss can also ease your mind and lessen the stress surrounding your symptoms.
Think you may be experiencing one of these types of hearing loss? Contact our office today so we can help you hear better again.
Our Provider
John Paul Schaeffer, HIS
Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist | Veteran | Medical Professional
John Paul Schaeffer is a dedicated Hearing Instrument Specialist and veteran with a diverse background in emergency medicine, military service, and healthcare. His career has focused on improving patient care through a combination of medical expertise and advanced hearing healthcare.
John’s journey began at 14 as a volunteer firefighter, and by 16, he was an EMT with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad. At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving with the 2nd Marine Division and providing battlefield medicine during two tours in Iraq. He balanced this with earning an associate degree and later worked in emergency medicine and medical transport.
Transitioning into hearing healthcare, John managed Miracle-Ear clinics across Virginia and the Carolinas before co-founding a private clinic. His commitment to patient care and innovative approaches led to the growth of community outreach programs and mobile clinics for underserved populations.
Currently with Revolution Hearing, John continues to provide personalized hearing solutions, dedicated to improving the lives of his patients.
Our Provider
Megan Zablan, HIS
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Megan has spent the past 25 years in Virginia Beach, where she developed her passion for the hearing aid industry, inspired by her mother, a dedicated hearing aid specialist. With 10 years of experience, Megan is committed to providing personalized care and building strong, lasting relationships with each client. She takes the time to understand their unique hearing needs and deliver the highest level of service. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Chewie and Adobo, playing board games, and staying active with pickleball. Her mission is simple: to help people hear better and improve their quality of life. Megan is dedicated to making sure every client receives the best possible care on their hearing journey.
Understanding Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It can range from mild to profound, impacting communication and overall quality of life. Understanding the various types of hearing loss is crucial for individuals seeking to address their hearing challenges effectively.
There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently travel through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often resulting from aging or exposure to loud noise. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural types.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss
Understanding the causes of hearing loss is essential for prevention and management. Various factors contribute to hearing loss, including age, noise exposure, genetics, and certain medical conditions.
Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is one of the most common causes, affecting many individuals over the age of 65. Additionally, prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as machinery or music, can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Other contributing factors include ear infections, ototoxic medications, and hereditary conditions that affect hearing abilities.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Recognizing the symptoms of hearing loss is vital for early intervention and treatment. Common signs include difficulty understanding conversations, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, and the need to turn up the volume on electronic devices.
Other symptoms may include a sensation of fullness in the ear, ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus), and withdrawal from social situations due to communication difficulties. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek professional evaluation to determine the extent of their hearing loss and explore potential solutions.
Treatment Options for Hearing Loss
There are several effective treatment options available for individuals experiencing hearing loss. These can range from hearing aids to surgical interventions, depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Hearing aids are the most common solution, amplifying sound to assist those with hearing impairments. For certain types of conductive hearing loss, surgical options such as tympanoplasty or stapedectomy may be considered. Additionally, cochlear implants can provide a solution for individuals with severe sensorineural hearing loss, directly stimulating the auditory nerve to facilitate hearing.
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Revolution Hearing Verification Process
The verification process at Revolution Hearing is designed to ensure that users accessing our services are genuine individuals. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our platform and protecting sensitive information from automated systems.
By implementing a CAPTCHA verification, we can effectively filter out bots and ensure that every interaction with our services is authentic. This process not only enhances security but also improves the overall user experience by allowing real customers to access our offerings without delay.
Importance of CAPTCHA in Online Services
CAPTCHA technology plays a vital role in safeguarding online services from spam and abuse. By requiring users to complete a simple test, such as identifying objects in images or typing distorted text, we can confirm their humanity before granting access to sensitive content.
This layer of security is particularly important for businesses like Revolution Hearing, where the confidentiality of personal health information is paramount. Utilizing CAPTCHA helps us protect our users and maintain trust in our services.
What to Expect After Verification
Once you successfully complete the verification process, you will gain immediate access to the comprehensive hearing services offered by Revolution Hearing. This includes consultations, product information, and resources tailored to your hearing needs.
We strive to make the transition from verification to accessing our services as seamless as possible. Users can expect an intuitive interface and helpful support to guide them through their journey with us, ensuring they receive the best care and information available.
Common Issues During Verification
Users may occasionally encounter challenges during the CAPTCHA verification process. Common issues include difficulty in reading distorted text or identifying images accurately, which can lead to frustration when trying to access our services.
If you experience any problems, we recommend refreshing the CAPTCHA or trying an alternative method of verification. Our support team is also available to assist with any technical difficulties, ensuring that you can quickly and easily access the services you need.
