Inner Ear
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is common. In New Zealand almost 1 out of 6 people have some form of hearing loss in one or both ears. It can be present at birth or acquired at any age.
There are two types of hearing loss:
Conductive Loss
When something prevents the sound wave vibrations entering the inner ear it is called a conductive loss – the sound wave conduction is hindered. Generally this type of hearing loss is medically correctable
Causes:
- wax occluding the ear canal
- foreign body occluding the ear canal
- birth defects such as atresia
- infections where the debris or swelling blocks the ear canal
- middle ear infections that block the middle ear
- perforations in the eardrum
- disruption of the hearing bones
Sensorineural Loss
When the hearing cells in the cochlea cannot pick up or transmit information to the brain it is called a sensorineural loss. This type of hearing loss is most often permanent. Some causes are listed below:
Congenital
- inherited
- maternal contact with rubella during pregnancy
- abuse of drugs during pregnancy that has effected the developing baby
Acquired
- exposure to loud noise
- the aging process
- lack of oxygen supply to a baby
- jaundice increases the risk of hearing impairment
- high fever illness
- head injuries
- some medications damage the cochlea
Mixed Hearing Loss
This results when there is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss present.
For more information, click the following link: Hearing Association