What is hearing loss?
Generally, there are two main types of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss
This is caused by problems in the outer or the middle ear, which prevent sounds from getting through to the inner ear.
- Sensorineural hearing loss
This happens when some of the delicate hair cells of the cochlea are damaged, making them unable to transform sound vibrations into electrical signals.
Conductive hearing loss
This is caused by problems in the outer or the middle ear, which prevent sounds from reaching the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by infections in the middle ear, which can make a hole in the eardrum. But a damaged hammer, anvil, stirrup or other abnormalities can also cause conductive hearing loss.
By their sixth birthday, 80% of all children have had at least one middle ear infection with a build-up of fluid. The majority of infections heal without causing any lasting damage. But they can cause temporary hearing loss, slowing down the child's development of speech and language. If the infections are long lasting the middle ear can be damaged, resulting in permanent hearing loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss
This happens when some of the delicate hair cells of the cochlea become damaged and unable to transform sound vibrations into electrical signals. Sometimes the fibres of the auditory nerve are broken, which also prevents the signals from reaching the brain.
There can be several reasons for a sensorineural hearing loss,
- Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by infections or viruses during pregnancy.
- Premature infants can be at a higher risk of getting hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can be inherited, and may either be present at birth or develop later in childhood.
- Certain diseases can cause sensorineural hearing loss. These include Meningitis.
- Finally, exposure to very sudden loud sounds such as an explosion - can damage the inner ear and cause sensorineural hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can also result in a gradual hearing loss.
To better understand what a hearing loss is, let's look at how sound is measured and how a hearing test can tell you about your child's need for support and rehabilitation.
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