What is hearing loss
Approximately 466 million people in the world suffer from a disabling hearing loss, which amounts to roughly over 5% of the population. Contrary to popular belief, older age is not always the cause of hearing loss, though it may be a contributing factor. Hearing Loss is the result of dysfunction or disorder of the complex mechanism within the body, known as the auditory system. Issues can arise anywhere from the outermost parts of the external ear all the way to the auditory centers of the brain. Based on an array of hearing tests administered by a specialist, results may reveal more information about the nature of the hearing loss. It is important to have one's hearing tested regularly.
The Outer Ear consists of two major parts: the pinna (sometimes referred to as the auricle) and ear canal (also known as the external auditory meatus). A primary purpose of the Outer Ear is to funnel acoustic sound into the rest of the auditory system, where it will reach the eardrum (or Tympanic Membrane). In the Middle Ear, sound becomes mechanical energy as the eardum causes three small bones (Malleus, Incus, and Stapes) to vibrate. These bones are the smallest bones in the human body. When they begin to vibrate, they stimulate nerves within a coiled structure within the Inner Ear, known as the Cochlea, and these nerves then send the signal to be interpreted by the brain as sound.
There are different types of loss based on the functionality of different processes of the auditory system. The three most common types of loss are known as Sensorineural, Conductive, and Mixed Hearing Loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) refers to dysfunction of the Cochlea or the neural pathways beyond. With this type of loss, the transmission of sound reaches the Inner Ear normally, but difficulty arises in the final stages of the auditory pathway. Conductive Hearing Loss is often a result of damage, dysfunction, or disorder of the Middle and/or Outer Ear, among other possible causes. Generally, a Conductive Loss is associated with normal Inner Ear function. A combination of the two aforementioned types of loss is known as a Mixed Hearing Loss, and signifies that there is more than one condition of the auditory system.
What can be done
Through state of the art audiometric testing, our highly trained specialists are able to better understand the possible loss, and find a hearing solution fitted to the individual's needs. Scheduling an appointment for a hearing test is a paramount first step to positive change. It is also highly recommended to retest hearing regularly. Call and schedule a hearing test today at