Before you can even think about how to help your hearing loss you must first ask one very important question...can it be helped?

To determine if a hearing loss can be helped you must have a comprehensive audiometric examination that includes a middle ear analysis. These tests help to determine where in the auditory system the problem is located and what type of hearing loss you have. There are 3 types of hearing loss...

SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS is located in the cochlea or inner ear, it has also been called "Nerve Deafness". It is called this because the damage is to the nerves in the cochlea. At this time the only treatment is hearing aids that increase the loudness of sounds at specific frequencies.

CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS usually involves the middle ear cavity. Fluid build-up or calcium deposits on the middle ear bones cause hearing to decrease by blocking the conduction of sound to the cochlea. On occasion this loss is caused by wax in the ear canal. More often an otologist can treat this type of hearing loss and restore hearing to normal.

MIXED HEARING LOSS is a combination of the other types. There is damage to the inner ear nerves, but it is compounded by additional hearing loss, usually in the middle ear. Most of the time an audiologist will send you to an otologist for treatment (if the doctor feels it is necessary) prior to any serious discussion regarding hearing aids.