Calcutta
Hearing
Clinic

1) Causes of Hearing Impairment: -

The most common causes are :

(a) Aging,
(b) Bacterial or viral infection,
(c) Exposure to loud sounds,
(d) Impacted cerumen or ear wax

2) Types Of Hearing Loss

(a) Conductive Hearing Loss -

Conductive Hearing Loss which is a result of sounds being reduced on their way from the outer ear to the inner ear. Generally persons with conductive loss benefit from medicine or surgery. If surgery is not possible, Hearing Aid may benefit.

(b) Sensorineural Hearing Loss -

A Sensorineural Hearing Loss is caused by damage to the sensory cell and nerve fibers of the inner ear contrary to conductive loss where damage occurs in the outer ear, ear canal or middle ear. This kind of loss cannot be treated by medicine or surgery and may benefit from hearing aid.

(c) Mixed Hearing Loss -

Mixed Hearing Loss is one which contains elements from both the hearing loss referred above.

3) Hearing Loss may Result in:

• Misunderstanding conversation, missing the punch line of jokes.
• Loss of confidence.
• Avoiding group meetings, social occasions on family gathering where listening may be difficult.
• Asking others to repeat themselves.
• Difficulty hearing T.V / radio (need to increase volume) and telephone.
• Difficulty hearing in public gatherings, concert halls – distant sound sources.
• You may hear the sound but words are not clear or wrongly heard like "pal" for 'ball".