Hearing loss is a condition wherein a problem occurs in one part of the ear that hinders sound signals from reaching the brain. Having this condition would mean a person might have trouble hearing or may hear nothing at all.
Basically, there are two major reasons why hearing loss takes place, depending on what caused the problem. The first one is sensorineural hearing loss or damage to auditory nerves. The other one is conductive hearing loss wherein sound signals are unable to pass from the outer ear to the inner ear.
Sensorineural hearing loss is commonly associated with aging. As people grow old, nerves deteriorate, including the auditory nerve. Hearing would gradually deteriorate and certain sound frequencies become difficult to hear. It would also become difficult to hear specific letters and speech patterns.
Sensorineural hearing loss could also be caused by frequent exposure to loud noises. This particular hearing problem is often called noise induced hearing loss. This happens when too much exposure to loud noise damages the nerves or hearing receptors. This is very common to people who work in environments full of loud noise. This is why it is sometimes called occupational deafness. To know more about occupational deafness, head to this link: www.Occupational-Deafness.com.
Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by other reasons as well. It can be caused by genes or birth defect. It can also be caused by viral infections or diseases. Other reasons may also include head injury, autoimmune conditions, stroke and ear deformity.
For conductive hearing loss, it is usually caused by wax or fluid build-up or obstruction of foreign body. This may be a simple problem but there are cases wherein conductive hearing loss is caused by a severe problem like damaged eardrum, abnormal growths inside the ear, damaged in the auditory cavity or deformation.
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