What Causes Hearing Loss?
There are 3 types of hearing loss:
 Conductive Hearing Loss:
- Stems from problems of the outer or middle ear.
- Can often be corrected. If ignored, may result in total deafness.
Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss:
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Infection
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Otosclerosis
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Buildup of wax or fluid
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Punctured eardrum
 Sensorineural Hearing Loss ("Nerve Deafness"):
- Involves problems of the cochlea in the inner ear and the auditory nerve.
- Accounts for 90% of all adult hearing problems.
- Sounds not only diminish in volume, but become distorted.
- High frequency sounds and some spoken words are the first to go.
- Low frequency sounds, such as vowels are heard better.
Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss:
 Mixed Hearing Loss
This is a combination of both Sensorineural & Conductive hearing loss.
 Temporary Hearing Loss:
There are times where hearing loss is temporary.
If you have trouble hearing clearly, don't worry. You might not have a permanent hearing loss at all. Temporary hearing loss is common and can be caused by any of the following:
- Too much earwax
- Sinus problems
- Allergies
- Ear infections
The easiest way to find out is with a FREE hearing screening and ear inspection at your local Chicagoland Beltone Center . This is not a medical or diagnostic test. If we find any of these conditions, we'll refer you to your doctor for treatment.
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