There are two main types of hearing loss: Conductive and Sensorineural. Each has markedly different causes and treatments. - Conductive hearing loss is caused by physical obstructions or abnormalities, which block or inhibit sound waves from entering the ear. The result is an overall lowering of volume and inability to hear faint sounds.
- Sensorineural hearing loss comprises 90% of all cases and is most commonly treated with hearing aids.* Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when damage or trauma affects the nerve endings in the inner ear or along the nerve pathways to the brain. Such trauma can occur from overexposure to noise, the aging process, use of certain medications and many other causes. The damage not only lowers the overall hearing level, but can selectively affect speech understanding, ability to hear certain frequencies, and other specific symptoms unique to each individual.
Noises Cause More Hearing Loss Than Age
Exposure to prolonged loud noises is a more common cause of hearing loss than age. (See pie chart below.) Noise can do more damage than you may think. And the risk is widespread. Every day, thousands of Americans expose themselves to noise levels that will almost inevitably lead to long-term hearing loss.** What You Can Do Hearing loss usually occurs gradually over time, making it hard to notice until it has already become advanced. In addition, the brain develops compensation methods that make it difficult to perceive your true hearing ability in an objective way. That's why it's important to have a professional hearing examination. We have the experts to help you through the process and analyze your results. Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss in the U.S. | 
(Among all known causes: noise exposure, viruses, head trauma, aging, diseases, birth injury, drugs toxic to the auditory system, genetic syndromes and tumors.) | |
* Source: "Hearing Aid Devices - Market and Corporate Developments"
** Source: "League for the Hard of Hearing"
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