Hearing difficulties can be uncomfortable. However, there are plenty of solutions to help you. Whether you have wax build-up or nerve damage, understanding what is going on helps alleviate stress.

The ear system has four major components: the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, and ear nerves. You can have difficulty hearing when any of these areas aren't working as they should. The three types of hearing difficulties further described in this article are classified based on the affected area.

1. Conductive

Conductive hearing difficulties result from obstructions in your outer or middle ear, preventing sound from entering your ear properly. If you have conductive hearing difficulties, you are more likely to have difficulty with the volume of sounds, not clarity. Common causes of conductive hearing difficulties are:

• Impacted ear wax or excessive ear wax
• Foreign objects in your ear
• Allergies
• Infections or inflammations, such as swimmer's ear
• Ruptured eardrum

Depending on the cause, conductive hearing difficulties can be temporary or permanent. Treatments also vary depending on the cause of hearing difficulty and can include:

• Ear wax removal
• Antibiotics
• Surgical procedures
• Hearing aids
• Bone-anchored implantable devices

2. Sensorineural

Sensorineural hearing difficulties are the most common type. It occurs from damage to the hair cells of your inner ear that pick up sounds. You can also experience sensorineural hearing difficulties when your hearing nerve is damaged. The nerves cannot effectively transfer signals of loudness or clarity to the brain. This is where hearing aids come in! Common treatments include hearing aids or cochlear implants, depending on the level of hearing difficulty.

Sensorineural hearing difficulties are caused by

• Ageing
• Noise damage
• Auditory tumours
• Drug side effects
• Blast or explosion trauma

3. Mixed

Mixed hearing difficulties are a combination of conductive and sensorineural. Your treatment will depend on what is causing it and whether it is more conductive or sensorineural in nature. Mixed symptoms can occur when you:

• Experience trauma or injury in or around your ear
• Already have conductive hearing difficulties and experience age-related sensorineural symptoms
• Have sensorineural difficulties and experience obstruction due to ear wax build-up
• Have an ear infection that impacts your entire ear system

If you are experiencing hearing difficulties, give yourself the peace of mind of knowing why. With knowledge, you can confidently take steps forward for treatment. We are here to help you better understand what is going on. Book an appointment with Les and the team today for a professional hearing test. Contact us today Click here