Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss

occurs when sound transmission through the external or middle ear is interrupted. The inner ear may still function, but sound cannot be efficiently transmitted by air conduction.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve pathway. This type is often permanent.

Functional or Psychogenic Hearing Loss

nonorganic hearing loss.

It is not related to detectable structural changes in the hearing mechanism. It is usually a manifestation of an emotional reaction.

Noise-induced hearing loss

Hearing loss or impairment resulting from exposure to loud sound. usually affects high-frequency hearing, around 4000 Hz. With continued exposure, it may worsen and affect nearby frequencies. Permanent because loud noise destroys the hair cells in the organ of Corti.

Acoustic trauma

damage to hearing from a transient high-intensity sound

85 to 90 dB

The minimum noise level known to cause noise-induced hearing loss is about:

Presbycusis

progressive age-related hearing loss. It usually starts with difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds.

Aminoglycosides

Aspirin

Loop diuretics

Platinum-based antineoplastic medications

Some medications may damage hearing, especially when drug levels increase due to delayed excretion.

Aural Rehabilitation

a process used to help people with permanent or untreated hearing loss improve their communication skills. The main goal is to maximize communication skills of the person with hearing loss.

Auditory training

Speech reading

Speech training

Use of hearing aids

Use of hearing guide dogs

Aural rehabilitation includes:

Auditory training

focuses on improving listening skills. The person with hearing loss practices Concentrating on the speaker, Recognizing sounds, and Improving attention during communication

Speech Reading

also known as lip reading. It helps the patient fill in missing or misheard words by watching Lip movements, Facial expressions, Gestures, and Body language

Speech Training

emphasis on speech, performance, audience analysis, and delivery system. Conserve current communication skills. Develop communication skills. Prevent deterioration of speech and communication ability

30 dB

In the range of 500 to 2000 Hz

In the better-hearing ear

A hearing aid may be considered when hearing loss exceeds:

Binaural aids

mean one hearing aid is used for each ear. These may be indicated depending on the type of hearing loss.

T-Coil

hearing aid circuitry option that picks up only an electromagnetic signal, such as a telephone signal. It may reduce background noise and improve hearing of nearby conversation.

Body Hearing Aid

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid

In-the-Ear Hearing Aid

In-the-Canal Hearing Aid

Types of Hearing Aids

Body Hearing Aid

Usually worn on the trunk. Used for mild to profound hearing loss. High amplification, less feedback. Bulky, long wire, less cosmetic

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid

Used for mild to profound hearing loss. Powerful, economical, good for children. Larger size

In-the-Ear Hearing Aid

Used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Custom fit, no cords, more hidden. Hard to handle, limited output

In-the-Canal Hearing Aid

Used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Least visible, cosmetic. Requires good vision and dexterity

Bone Conduction Devices

transmit sound through the skull to the inner ear. They may be used in patients with conductive hearing loss when a hearing aid is contraindicated.

Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid

a type of amplification in which some of the components are surgically implanted into the temporal bone of the skull, stimulating the cochlea via bone conduction. Used for Conductive hearing loss or Mixed hearing loss

Middle Ear Implant

a surgically placed hearing device that directly vibrates the tiny bones or membrane windows in the middle ear. It bypasses or supplements the natural hearing pathway, providing a highly effective alternative for individuals with conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss who struggle with traditional hearing aids

Cochlear Implant

an auditory prosthesis that Stimulate auditory nerve used for people with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids. Bypasses damaged hair cells. Does not restore normal hearing. Instead, it helps the person detect Medium, environmental sounds, Loud environmental sounds, and Conversations