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Inside Sensorineural Hearing Loss
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Sensorineural vs. Conductive Hearing Loss: Differences and Symptoms
Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, classified into two primary types: sensorineural and conductive. The distinctions between these are crucial for understanding the nature of hearing impairment.
Sensorineural hearing loss, the more prevalent form, arises from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This impairment can be due to aging, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, or genetic predispositions. It generally results in a permanent decrease in both the volume and clarity of sounds, as it impacts the nerves responsible for conveying sound signals to the brain.
Symptoms include:
- Challenges in understanding speech, particularly amidst background noise
- Perceived muffling of sounds or a sensation of blocked ears
- Difficulties in detecting high-pitched sounds (e.g., birds chirping)
- An increased need to raise the volume on electronic devices
Conductive hearing loss stems from an obstruction or damage in the outer or middle ear, impeding sound's journey to the inner ear. Causes can range from ear infections, fluid in the ear (often observed in children), perforated eardrum, excessive earwax, to anomalies in ear structure.
Symptoms may include:
- A reduction in the volume of external sounds
- Unilateral hearing preference
- A sensation of pressure within the ears
- Ear pain
In specific instances, conductive hearing loss might be addressed through medical or surgical treatments, contingent upon its underlying cause. Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial for understanding the impact of hearing loss on individuals.