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Blindness separates us from things but deafness separates us from people.

Hearing Loss Overview:

Hearing Loss is one of the most common disabilities in the present world. It is a known fact that Hearing ability will empower and help us to lead our daily activities happily without any limitations. It truly enables us to socialize ourselves in both Professional and Personal life.

It was observed that 1 in every 4 children in India are suffering from induced hearing loss and 2 in every 4 people of 65 to 70 age are suffering from hearing loss. This condition increased to 1 in 2 people of age group with more than 75 years old.

Before you learn more about the types and causes of hearing loss, it is important to understand how the ear works.

The Parts of the Ear:

  • The Outer Ear, which is the visible portion and includes the bowl-shaped concha where sounds enter the ear.
  • The Middle Ear, which contains the ear canal, ear drum (tympanic membrane) and three tiny bones called ossicles.
  • The Inner Ear, which consists of the cochlea and semi-circular canals structure. The inner ear is responsible for sound direction and balance.

Types of Hearing Loss

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is a condition that affects the outer or middle ear which prevents the sound from reaching the inner ear. Most of the time this can be treated by medicines or surgeries with a consultation to an ENT Specialist. In some particular cases Hearing aids are also recommended.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs when there is damage/injury to the inner ear or nerve supplying the inner ear. This is most commonly seen in aged people, a consultation with Audiologist will help you to find a perfect Hearing Aid. A trial with a Hearing Aid is a must before the purchase.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive and involves damage to the inner and middle or outer ear. Treatment options depend on the extent and degree of hearing loss, as well as the underlying cause.

Hearing Test

Audiology evaluations consist of a series of tests used to determine whether a hearing loss exists and, if so, measure its type, degree and configuration.

An audiologist will assess the results of each individual test in order to develop a treatment plan geared toward your unique hearing loss.

To Whom Should Be Given the Hearing Evaluation?

An audiologic (or hearing) evaluation can benefit patients of all ages, even those who do not exhibit signs of hearing loss.

Hearing loss is a progressive condition that often develops slowly. Many people are not aware of a change in their hearing because they gradually adapt to the subtle changes in their hearing ability over time. Studies indicate that it takes seven years, on average, for a hearing impaired individual to seek treatment.

An audiologic evaluation should be the first course of action for anybody who suspects a hearing loss. The sooner a diagnosis of hearing loss is made, the more successful treatment will be. Early detection means more options for the patient.

Many physicians urge making audiology evaluations a routine part of your overall health care, much like regular vision exams and dental checkups. They are quick, painless and provide immediate results.

Hearing Tests

  • Pure Tone Testing (PTA)

    This type of test, also known as pure tone audiometry, uses air conduction to measure your ability to hear sounds at various pitches and volumes. You will be asked to wear headphones and sit in a specially designed booth. A series of sounds will be broadcast through the headphones. Every time you hear a tone you will be instructed to raise your hand or press a button. The results will then be charted on an audiogram.

  • Bone Conduction Testing

    This is another type of pure-tone test that measures your inner ear's response to sound. A conductor will be placed behind your ear; it will send tiny vibrations through the bone directly to the inner ear. This is different than the traditional version, which uses air to send audible sounds. If the results of this test are different than the pure-tone audiometry, your Green Valley audiologist can use this information to determine your type of hearing loss.

  • Speech Testing

    This type of testing is used to measure your speech reception threshold (SRT), or the faintest speech you can understand 50 percent of the time. It is administered in either a quiet or noisy environment and measures your ability to separate speech from background noise.

  • Tympanometry

    This test measures the movement of your eardrum in response to air pressure. It can determine if there is a buildup of fluid, wax buildup, eardrum perforations or tumors.

  • Acoustic Reflex Testing

    This test measures involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear and is used to determine the location of your hearing problem (the ossicles, cochlea, auditory nerve, etc.) as well as the type of hearing loss.

  • Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR or BERA)

    This type of testing is used to determine whether a specific type of hearing loss-sensorineural-exists. It is also frequently used to screen newborns for hearing problems. In an ABR test, electrodes are attached to your head, scalp or earlobes, and you are given headphones to wear. Your brainwave activity is measured in response to sounds of varying intensities.

  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)

    OAEs are sounds generated by the vibrations of the hair cells in the cochlea of your inner ear. This type of testing uses a tiny probe fitted with a microphone and speaker to stimulate the cochlea and measure its response. Individuals with normal hearing will produce emissions; when hearing loss exceeds 25-30 decibels, no sound will be produced. This test helps determine whether there is a blockage in the ear canal, excess fluid in the middle ear or damage to the hair cells of the cochlea. OAE testing is often included in newborn hearing screening programs.

Degree of Hearing Loss