Hearing loss can affect anyone — from newborns to seniors. Understanding the different types of hearing loss and their causes can help in early detection and effective treatment. At Pearl Hearing Aid Center and Clinic in Kolkata, we aim to educate and empower you with the right knowledge about hearing health.

👂 What Are the Main Types of Hearing Loss?

There are three primary types of hearing loss:

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

This occurs when sound waves are blocked from reaching the inner ear.

🔍 Causes:

Earwax buildup
Ear infections
Fluid in the middle ear (often seen in children)
Perforated eardrum
Foreign object in the ear
Abnormal bone growth (otosclerosis)

✅ Often temporary and treatable through medical or surgical means.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

This happens when there’s damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve.

🔍 Causes:

Aging (presbycusis)
Exposure to loud noise
Head trauma
Certain medications (ototoxic drugs)
Viral infections (like measles or meningitis)
Hereditary hearing loss

❌ Usually permanent, but manageable with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Treatment involves addressing both types, which may include medical intervention and hearing aids.

🧠 Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD)

In some cases, the ears are healthy, but the brain cannot properly process sound. This is known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder and is often seen in children or stroke patients.

Symptoms:

Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
Trouble following directions
Poor listening skills

🎯 Why Identifying the Type Matters

Proper diagnosis helps audiologists recommend:

Medical or surgical treatment for conductive loss
Hearing aids or cochlear implants for sensorineural loss
Tailored therapies for CAPD or mixed hearing loss

At Pearl Hearing Clinic, we conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations using state-of-the-art equipment to determine the exact type and severity of hearing loss.

🦻 Who Is at Risk?

You may be at higher risk of hearing loss if you:

Work in noisy environments
Are over 50 years old
Use earphones at high volumes regularly
Have a family history of hearing loss
Take certain medications
Suffer from frequent ear infections

Can hearing loss be temporary?

Yes. Conductive hearing loss due to infections or wax buildup can be temporary and is often treatable.

Which type of hearing loss is permanent?

Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent but manageable with hearing devices.

Can a child have hearing loss?

Yes. Children can have both congenital and acquired hearing loss. Early detection is crucial.

How is hearing loss diagnosed?

Through hearing tests like audiometry, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emissions (OAE), conducted by certified audiologists.

💡 Final Thought

Understanding the type of hearing loss you or a loved one may have is the first step toward better hearing. At Pearl Hearing Aid Center and Clinic in Kolkata, we offer expert diagnostics and personalized hearing solutions.

🦻 Trust Pearl Hearing Aid Center and Clinic in Kolkata

Whether your hearing loss is temporary or permanent, our expert audiologists can help you diagnose, manage, and improve your hearing health.

📞 Call now or visit pearlhearingclinic.com to book your consultation and explore your treatment options.