One important reason for having your a hearing test is that any detected hearing loss will prompt you to have its cause diagnosed. Generally speaking, there are two types of hearing loss: “sensorineural” and “conductive.” Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. While this type of hearing loss cannot be medically or surgically corrected, it generally lends itself to improvement with a hearing instrument. Conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones (ossicles) of the middle ear, can often be corrected medically or surgically.
A hearing test includes several tests that measure how well you hear a variety of sounds, such as tones and speech. A baseline hearing screening is recommended at age 50, unless you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss sooner. For more information, please call BETTER HEARING CENTER. Our expertise is measured by our commitment to patient satisfaction, continuing education, and the application of current technologies. New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. One possible cause of conductive hearing loss is an “acoustic neuroma,” a benign tumor that grows on the balance and hearing nerves inside the ear.