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Hearing Loss
- Overview
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Health Tools
- FAQs
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- When to Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Living With Hearing Loss
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
We
hear sounds when sound energy goes through the
ear's three main structures 
. In hearing loss, one or more of these structures
is damaged. These structures are the:
- External ear canal.
- Middle ear, which is separated from the ear canal by the eardrum.
- Inner ear, which contains the cochlea, the main sensory organ of hearing.
Which part of the ear is affected determines the type of hearing loss.
- In conductive hearing loss, sound energy is blocked before it reaches the inner ear. Examples of conductive hearing loss include earwax or a growth blocking sound, such as occurs in otosclerosis.
- In sensorineural hearing loss, sound reaches the inner ear, but a problem in the inner ear or the nerves that allow you to hear (auditory nerves) prevent proper hearing. Examples of sensorineural hearing loss include both noise-induced and age-related hearing loss.
A mixed hearing loss, in which both the conductive and sensorineural systems are affected, can also occur.
Another type of hearing loss is central hearing loss. In this type of hearing loss, the ear works, but the brain has trouble understanding sounds because the parts that control hearing are damaged. It may occur after a head injury or stroke. This type of hearing loss is rare.
Undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss can contribute to depression, social isolation, and loss of independence, especially in older adults.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 13, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Steven T. Kmucha, MD - Otolaryngology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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