Hearing loss is caused by damage to one or more of the ear's three regions:

• External ear, pinna, and ear canal
• Middle ear, which is separated from the ear canal by
   the eardrum
• Inner ear, which contains the cochlea, the main sensory
   organ of hearing

There are three main types of hearing loss, characterized by which part of the ear is damaged. These include:

1.) Conductive
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted properly through the outer ear, middle ear, or both. It is generally a mild to moderate impairment, because sound can still be detected by the inner ear. More severe impairments can occur, particularly in Otosclerosis. Generally, with pure conductive hearing loss, the quality of hearing (speech discrimination) is good, as long as the sound is amplified loud enough to be easily heard.

Causes of conductive hearing loss include:

• Infection of the ear canal or middle ear
• Fluid in the middle ear
• Perforation or scarring of the eardrum
• Ear wax (cerumen) build-up
• Dislocation of the three middle-ear bones, called ossicles
• Foreign objects in the ear canal
• Otosclerosis (abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear)
• Unusual growths in the outer or middle ear

2.) Sensorineural
A Sensorineural hearing loss is due to insensitivity of the inner ear, the cochlea, or to impairment of function in the auditory nervous system. It can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound, to the point of total deafness.

Central hearing loss is a form of sensorineural hearing loss caused by damage to the auditory pathways. When the damage is to the primary auditory cortex, the impairment is called "cortical deafness".

In addition to advancing age, sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by:

• Injury
• Excessive noise exposure
• Viral infections (such as measles or mumps)
• Ototoxic drugs (medications that damage hearing)
• Meningitis
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• High fever
• Ménière's disease
• Acoustic Neuroma (tumors)
• Heredity

3.) Mixed Sensorineural/Conductive
Mixed hearing loss is a common occurrence. These hearing disorders can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Hearing problems may also result from a central auditory processing disorder—a neurological problem that may be inherited or caused by complications during pregnancy, birth, or a combination of causes, such as head trauma, disease, tumor, and lead exposure, to name just a few. People with APD usually have normal hearing when taking traditional hearing tests, but they are unable to process speech effectively in everyday situations (classrooms, workplaces, community gatherings, etc.)

Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

• Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety, Irritability, negativism and anger, fatigue, stress and even depression.
• Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations
• Reduced job performance and earning power
• Diminished psychological and overall health
• Social rejection and loneliness

Hearing Affects the quality of your life in several ways

• Hearing loss ranks with high blood pressure & heart disease as one of the most common physical conditions in older populations.
• 31 Million Americans have hearing loss (1 out of 10).
• 30% of people over the age of 65 have hearing loss

The Impact of improved Hearing on the Quality of Life

•Increased earning power
•Improved communication in relationships
•Intimacy and warmth in family relationships
•Ease in communication
•Emotional stability
•Sense of control over life’s events
•Group social participation

What are the Symptoms and Causes of Hearing Loss
Types and Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss
What To Expect During a Hearing Test and Consultation
Hearing Instruments
Complimentary Hearing Instrument Check-ups
Testimonials
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