While “sensorineural hearing loss” is caused by inner-ear hair-cell damage or problems with nerve pathways that lead from the inner ear to the brain, “conductive hearing loss” is related to problems conducting sound waves from the outer ear to the middle ear. While sensorineural hearing loss accounts for about 90% of all hearing loss and may generally be treated with a hearing instrument, a conductive loss is largely a medical problem that can be treated with medication or surgery. In some cases, conductive hearing loss can be treated simply by removing impacted ear wax that blocks the transmission of sound waves. With this in mind, it is recommended that everyone forego the use of cotton swabs to “clean” their ears.
Most people begin to lose a small amount of their hearing from around 40 years of age. This loss increases as you get older. By age 80, most people have significant hearing issues. Another common cause of hearing loss is damage to the ear from repeated exposure to loud noises over time. To schedule a hearing assessment, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. If left to its own devices, ear wax (cerumen) will migrate out of the ear canal, providing protection against bacteria as it goes.
