4 different types of hearing loss

Different types of hearing loss can have different effects. And experts say we can expect to see almost twice as many hearing loss cases in the coming years. Find out which different types of hearing loss exist and why it's on the rise.

Normally, we lose high-frequency sounds first. This makes it hard to hear high-pitched voices and sounds such as birdsong, waves and rustling leaves. Certain speech sounds — "s," "sh," "ch" and "f" or "p," "k" and "t" — may be difficult to distinguish. So it's more of a challenge than it used to be to understand what people are saying.

Some people experience distortion of sounds. This fluctuating hearing impairment or even hypersensitivity to certain noises, is a phenomenon known as hyperacusis. But it's not only your hearing that is affected. It can disturb the delicate balance mechanisms of the inner ear, leading to balance disorders or dizziness. Many people also experience tinnitus (persistent, irritating sound in the ears). Different ear problems may even cause other symptoms, such as pain or discharge.

Conductive hearing loss is caused by anything that blocks the transmission of sound waves on their passage from the outer to the inner ear — earwax is a common cause. This type of problem may affect one ear or both ears and can often be treated with drugs or an operation.

Sensorineural hearing loss, or nerve-related hearing loss, is due to interference with the conversion of sound waves into an electrical signal in the inner ear, or the transmission of this signal to the brain.

This is the most common type of hearing loss among adults, usually affecting both ears and sometimes accompanied by tinnitus. Sound intensity and quality may both be impaired. The most common complaint is difficulty in hearing or interpreting speech, especially against background noise.

Congenital hearing loss is present from birth. This type of hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural or both. It may be caused by an inherited disorder or by the presence of an infection — when, for example, a pregnant woman contracts German measles (rubella), which then affects her developing baby.

Congenital hearing loss can happen as a result of an injury to the baby sustained during birth. Central hearing loss is a rare condition that is caused by damage or impairment to the auditory pathways or centres in the brain. Possible causes of central hearing loss include multiple sclerosis, brain tumours and strokes.

Loss of hearing is a common chronic condition among older people, along with arthritis and high blood pressure. And the numbers are expected to rise. One reason for this is that we are living longer. Another problem is the large number of younger people who are experiencing noise-induced hearing loss. In fact, some experts predict that the number of people living with hearing loss will have almost doubled by 2030.

The best way to control your hearing loss, or deal with it better, is to see your doctor regularly. Get regular hearing tests. This way, you can treat your hearing loss sooner and maybe even prevent further damage. Some problems can be solved before permanent damage occurs. If a medication is the cause, for example, irreversible hearing loss may be avoided if it is stopped in time.

If you cannot undo your hearing loss problems, you can also try a hearing aid. These devices are very effective at amplifying sounds and making them clearer.