About one in every 8 individuals is currently suffering from hearing loss in both ears. For the population of Malta, that would be close to 70,000 individuals.
Hearing loss can be divided into 3 main categories:
Sensorineural hearing loss
Although this points towards nerve damage, in most cases the auditory nerve will not be the problem, but the tiny hair cells of the cochlea, which is the organ responsible to help differentiate sounds. The cochlea will send signals to the brain, allowing you to hear. Some of the most common causes include noise exposure and age. This hearing loss may be aided using amplification technology such as hearing aids. Other less common causes of sensorineural hearing loss include neuromas and nerve damage.
Conductive hearing loss
This type of hearing loss is usually commonly caused by ear wax, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses amongst others. It may less commonly be caused by abnormal ear canal formations, bone sclerosis, and eardrum pathologies. This can be corrected using simple ointments to surgery, depending on the cause.
Mixed hearing loss
Hearing loss may also be caused by a mixture of sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss may be aided using both medical/ surgical means and amplification technology.
How do I know which type of hearing loss I have?
A hearing professional will conduct the appropriate tests in order to help identify where the problem lies, and will guide you towards finding the best solution suited to you.