Understanding Sensory Hearing Loss: A Guide for Families and Carers
Caring for someone with hearing loss can be tricky. After all, without experiencing it yourself, it’s hard to understand what your loved one is going through. Gaining insight into sensory hearing loss — including the differences between conductive vs. sensory hearing loss — can help you provide the right kind of support. By understanding the causes of sensory loss and available treatment options, you can make a big difference in their quality of life.
Conductive vs sensory hearing loss - What’s the difference?
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot pass through the outer or middle ear, often due to blockages like earwax or fluid. In contrast, sensory (sensorineural) hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear’s hair cells or auditory nerve pathways, making it harder for the brain to receive clear sound signals.
Understanding the different types of hearing loss
Are you supporting a loved one with hearing loss? Understanding the various types of hearing loss — including conductive vs sensory hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss — can help you provide the right support and seek appropriate treatment for them.
Let’s break down sensory vs conductive hearing loss into finer detail, to help you better understand each of these types of hearing loss and how it might affect the person you’re caring for:
1. Conductive hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear. This might happen because of ear infections (inflammation or fluid buildup), excessive earwax blocking the ear canal, foreign objects lodged in the ear, eardrum damage (perforations or scarring), or issues with the tiny bones (ossicles) that transmit sound.
The symptoms of conductive hearing loss can include muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or ear discomfort. Generally, treatment involves addressing the underlying issue medically or surgically, such as removing earwax, treating infections, or repairing damaged structures.
2. Sensory (sensorineural) hearing loss
Sensory hearing loss, also known as sensorineural hearing loss, results from damage to the inner ear's hair cells or auditory nerve pathways, affecting the accurate transmission of nerve signals. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent.
What causes sensory hearing loss?
There are a lot of factors that can cause this type of hearing loss. Sensory (sensorineural) hearing loss can be caused by congenital factors (genetic mutations, maternal illnesses), ageing-related changes to inner ear cells, prolonged exposure to loud noise, infections like meningitis, head trauma, or the use of certain ototoxic medications. These factors damage the inner ear’s delicate hair cells or nerve pathways, reducing the clarity and volume of sound that reaches the brain.
Sometimes, the symptoms of sensory hearing loss can be subtle or hard to spot. If your loved one is having difficulty understanding speech, especially in loud environments, or finds that sounds seem muffled or distorted, these could be signs of sensory hearing loss — it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Thankfully, there are treatments available, and being treated sooner rather than later can limit the damage to hearing.
Sudden sensory hearing loss: Treatment and causes
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing, often in one ear. Understandably, it can be very scary for someone experiencing it, and it is considered a medical emergency. If the person you’re caring for experiences a sudden drop in hearing, especially with dizziness or ringing in the ear, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Possible causes include:
- Viral Infections
- Circulatory Problems
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Trauma
- Severe Noise Exposure
Treatment options focus on restoring hearing and may include:
- Corticosteroid therapy: Reducing inflammation in the inner ear.
- Antiviral medications: If a viral infection is suspected.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Increasing oxygen supply to promote healing.
- Hearing aids or cochlear implants: If hearing doesn’t return, assistive devices can help.
It’s important to note that early intervention within 48 to 72 hours significantly improves the chances of recovery! Your healthcare professional will most likely conduct a sensory hearing loss audiogram.
What are sensory hearing loss audiograms?
An audiogram is a visual chart representing a person’s hearing ability across various frequencies and intensities. During a hearing test, an audiologist measures how well sounds are heard through air and bone conduction.
In sensory hearing loss, the audiogram typically shows similar reductions in both air conduction and bone conduction thresholds, indicating damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This helps healthcare professionals diagnose the type of hearing loss and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Treatment options for sensory hearing loss
While sensory hearing loss is usually permanent, there are effective treatments that can help manage the condition and help improve communication for your loved one:
- Hearing aids: Electronic devices worn in or behind the ear that amplify sounds, making it easier for damaged hair cells to detect them.
- Cochlear implants: Surgically implanted devices that bypass damaged hair cells and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing the perception of sound.
- Assistive listening devices: Tools like amplified telephones or TV listening systems can enhance hearing in specific situations.
- Communication strategies: Learning skills such as lip reading or using sign language can improve interaction.
- Auditory rehabilitation: Therapy to maximise the use of remaining hearing.
It's important to consult with an audiologist or hearing specialist to determine the most suitable treatment options for your loved one's specific type of hearing loss. Early intervention and appropriate support can make a significant difference in their quality of life, so get help straight away if you notice a change in your loved one’s hearing.
How in-home care from care for family can help
Professional in-home care from Care For Family offers compassionate support tailored to individuals living with hearing loss. Our caregivers develop personalised care plans addressing your specific needs and preferences, or those of your loved one. We assist with daily tasks that may be challenging due to hearing loss, provide emotional support, and coordinate with healthcare providers and the NDIS to ensure continuity of care.
By bringing care into the comfort of your own home, we help you or your loved one maintain independence and, importantly, improve their well-being. With Care For Family, you can have peace of mind knowing they are receiving professional, compassionate care designed to meet their unique needs.
If you need assistance or more information on how to support a loved one with hearing loss, reach out to us at Care For Family. We’re here to help.