TYPES OF HEARING LOSS

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when a problem in the external or middle ear prevents sound from reaching the internal ear. This can be due to a buildup of earwax, an infection, a perforated eardrum, an accumulation of liquid behind the eardrum, a problem in the ossicular chain, or poor functioning of the Eustachian tube. Most conduction problems can be successfully treated by an otorhinolaryngologist. In cases where treatment is not possible, hearing aids can correct hearing loss problems.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing impairment. It results from an impaired area in the internal ear which prevents information from being transmitted to the brain. This type of hearing loss can be caused by various factors such as heredity, age, continuous exposure to excessive noise, a tumour, diabetes, an auto-immune disease, a pressure problem in cochlea fluids, the use of certain medications or ototoxic substances, and a range of other causes which cannot all be named here.

While some cases can benefit from a cochlear implant, most sensorineural hearing losses are treated with hearing aids.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is the combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss can be corrected with hearing aids if medical intervention is not possible.

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Did you know ...

The Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec provides one or more hearing aids at no charge if you meet its eligibility requirements. Contact us to find out if you're eligible or to get help opening your file.

The first hearing aid sold in 1899 cost $400. Taking inflation into account, this same hearing aid would have cost $12,000 today.

To fully enjoy music, it is best to listen at a reasonable volume. Your ears’ sensitivity to sound variations is at its best when the volume is low and, conversely, it worsens when the sound level increases.

Using cotton swabs to clean your ears is not recommended. Rather than removing wax from your ear canal, they push it deeper. Using cotton swabs can lead to abrasion, dryness and itching in your ears. Instead, use a washcloth and get into the habit of putting three drops of heavy mineral oil into your ear canal once per week.

The WSIB in Ontario provides hearing aids to workers who have hearing loss due to exposure to noise. Please contact us for more details.

According to the World Health Organization, hearing loss is the most common impairment in the world.

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