Types of Hearing Loss
 
There are two main types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural.

A conductive hearing loss occurrs when sounds are unable to pass through the ear. This could be due to blockage from earwax, fluid, or a similar obstruction, or from physical damage to the ear drum. This kind of hearing loss often can be corrected.

The other kind is sensorineural. This is the kind of hearing loss that I have -- as, indeed do 90% of people with a hearing loss.

At the root of a sensorineural loss is damage to the auditory hairs or nerves. This can be caused by aging, illness, injury, trauma, or toxic substances. It also could be an inherited condition.

Unfortunately, this kind of hearing loss generally can not be cured.

But that's where hearing aids come in. A hearing aid, properly chosen, and properly fitted by a certified audiologist can help to make life with a hearing loss more livable.