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Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
A conductive hearing loss is often referred to as a temporary loss because most types can
be medically corrected. A conductive loss occurs when structures of the outer or middle
ears are not working properly. Some causes of a conductive hearing loss are:
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wax build-up in the ear canal
a hole in the eardrum
fluid in the middle ear
problems with the bones of the middle ear
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
A sensorineural hearing loss is also referred to as a permanent hearing loss because it can
not be corrected by surgery or medication. A sensorineural loss results from problems in
the inner ear, auditory nerve or the hearing centers of the brain. Some causes of
sensorineural hearing loss are:
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inherited conditions (family genetics)
ototoxic medications (medications that are harmful to the ears)
sudden (as with an explosion) or prolonged (as with loud music) exposure to loud
sounds
aging
Degrees of Hearing Loss
Loudness is measured in units called decibels.
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Normal hearing 0-20 dB.
Mild hearing loss 21-40 dB.
Moderate hearing loss 41-70 dB.
Severe hearing loss 71-90 dB.
Profound hearing loss 91 dB or worse.
See Hearing 101:Speech and Language to learn how hearing loss affects listening and
learning.