Invest In Your Hearing
Causes & Types
of Hearing Loss
How Hearing Works
Sound vibrations travels through the ear canal down to the eardrum. These vibrations move through the ear drum which is connected to the tiny bones of the middle ear, and then to the cochlea in the inner ear. Inside the cochlea, thousands of delicate hearing receptors called hair cells convert the vibrations into electrical signals which are sent to the brain for interpretation. So, one can say there are three parts to hearing, detecting sound, interpreting sounds and associated meaning towards them. Any disruption along this pathway can lead to hearing loss or difficulties hearing in background noise.
Types of Hearing Loss
1. Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot efficiently pass through the outer or middle ear. Sounds may seem quieter or slightly muffled, though clarity can often be restored by increasing volume. Essentially, a mechanical barrier is preventing sound vibrations from reaching the inner ear.
Common Causes
- Earwax blockage (cerumen impaction)
- Middle ear infections (otitis media)
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- Eardrum perforation
- Problems with the ossicles (middle ear bones), such as otosclerosis
- Narrowing or malformation of the ear canal
Management Options
Conductive hearing loss may be temporary or treatable through medical or surgical intervention. In some cases, hearing aids or bone conduction solutions are recommended. It’s best to speak with an audiologist for a comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessment to investigate further.
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss reduces both volume and clarity and commonly affects the ability to hear speech in noisy environments.
Common Causes
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
- Noise exposure (workplace, concerts, machinery, headphones)
- Genetic factors
- Ototoxic medications (medicines that can damage hearing)
- Viral or bacterial infections affecting the inner ear
- Head trauma or neurological conditions
Management Options
Sensorineural hearing loss is generally permanent. Treatment focuses on improving communication through:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Aural rehabilitation and communication strategies
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural loss. For example, a person may have age-related inner ear changes alongside a middle ear infection.
Management Options
Treatment often involves addressing the conductive component first (for example, medication, removal of wax, or surgery), followed by amplification solutions such as hearing aids if required.
Common Risk Factors for Hearing Loss
- Long-term noise exposure
- Family history of hearing loss
- Increasing age
- Chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
- Frequent ear infections in childhood or adulthood
- Use of ototoxic medications
When to Seek a Hearing Evaluation
You may benefit from a hearing assessment if you:
- Frequently ask others to repeat themselves
- Feel others are mumbling
- Have difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments
- Turn the TV or radio up louder than others prefer
- Experience ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears (tinnitus)
Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes — both for hearing ability and long-term brain health. Remember: a stimulated ear supports a stimulated brain.
How We Can Help
At Victorian Hearing, we provide:
- Comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessments
- Clear and personalised explanations of your hearing results
- Evidence-based treatment recommendations
- Long-term support to help you live life with confidence