A large ball of ear wax which can be removed with a Q-tip is the cause of reduction of hearing. But often this does not happen. A minimum of 20 million people in the Unites States are affected with hearing loss. A large section of these suffer from neural hearing loss which cannot be cured. It is better to know in advance the types of hearing loss and their causes and treatment. Two types of hearing loss are recognized namely conductive and sensor neural hearing loss. When the oscilla or the bones of the inner ear are damaged, conductive hearing loss occurs. It may also be caused by the blockage of the canal leading to the eardrum for some reason. A foreign object lodged in the ear may also cause this hearing impairment. A benign tumor blocks the ear in severe cases and has to be removed. If the blockage is removed or the oscilla restored hearing is restored.

Other types

Neural hearing loss, the other type affects the auditory nerve extending from the ear to the auditory part of the brain. The auditory nerve is either missing or damaged. This nerve can neither be repaired nor replaced. Hearing aid, are also of no use. This hearing impairment can be a birth defect, or caused by prolonged drug, abuse or viral infection or listening to loud music or noise for a very long time continuously. Neural loss of hearing may be slight or severe according to the extent f damage to the nerve.

If the nerve is missing deafness will be the result. Whether the loss of hearing is from birth or developed over time, consult the doctor who will recommend the type of treatment most suitable for you. He will inform whether sign language or other type of communication is best suited for you to hear with or without hearing aid

[tags]Hearing Loss Types, Nerve Damage, Ear Wax[/tags]