Hearing loss is common, affecting approximately 48 million people across the country. But despite its prevalence, only one in five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wears them, and those who do wait an average of 10 years to seek treatment.
While some forms of hearing loss are more complex to treat – especially mixed hearing loss – an audiologist can provide the care you need to hear better when out with friends at Banger Brewing.
What Is Mixed Hearing Loss?
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Inside the inner ear is the cochlea, which is lined with tiny hair cells called stereocilia that convert soundwaves into electrical energy. This energy travels via the auditory nerve to the brain to be interpreted as sound. When dangerously loud sounds pass through the ears, when blood flow to the inner ears is restricted or when you take ototoxic medications, the stereocilia can be damaged or destroyed. The result is permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is caused by a physical blockage that prevents sound from traveling through the ears. Causes include:
- Impacted earwax
- Middle ear infection
- Ruptured eardrum
- Benign tumor.
- Foreign object in the ear canal
- Swimmer’s ear
- Congenital deformity
How Is Mixed Hearing Loss Treated?
Mixed hearing loss is treated with a combination of interventions to address both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is treated with:
- Hearing aids, which work by amplifying sounds to a level the wearer can detect.
- Cochlear implants, which bypass the damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is treated by addressing the underlying problem:
- Impacted earwax may be removed by an audiologist.
- Middle ear infections can be treated with antibiotics and, in some cases, ear tubes.
- Ruptured eardrums are treated with a patch.
- Benign tumors can be removed surgically.
- Foreign objects in the ear canal can be removed.
- Swimmer’s ear can be treated with antibiotics.
- Congenital deformities can be corrected with surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute today.
Call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute at (702) 735-7668 for more information or to schedule an appointment.