Hearing loss

What is it?

The test consists of two parts:

1. The middle ear (eardrum and ear bones) is 'mechanical' and ensures that sound is conducted to the cochlea.
2. The inner ear (cochlea and balance system) is 'digital' and ensure that the sound waves are converted into electrical signals before being transmitted to the brain.

Characteristics

There are two types of hearing loss:

1. If there is a problem with the mechanical part, there may be 'conduction loss’. This can be treated in many cases, some examples include: medication, middle ear surgery and inserting a grommet. Examples of possible causes include: otosclerosis, eardrum perforation and fluid in the middle ear.
2. If there is a problem with the digital part, this can lead to 'perceptive' or ‘sensorineural' hearing loss. This cannot be resolved with an operation. Furthermore, a hearing aid can be fitted to treat perceptive hearing loss. Examples of possible causes include: hearing loss in Ménière's disease, age-related hearing loss and sudden deafness.
   

Diagnosis

The difference between the two types of hearing loss can be determined by:

• hearing tests (audiometry)
• looking into the ear (otoscopy)
• tuning fork tests

Latest publication date: 15/05/2024
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith