Hearing Loss And Hearing Aids

We have discussed what is hearing loss, types of hearing loss, degree of hearing loss, causes of hearing loss and rehabilitation.

1. AVISHEK DUTTA

2. What is Hearing Loss
Partially or total inability to hear sounds is known
as hearing loss that is also known as hearing
impairment.

3. Types of hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss ( pathology that involves
outer and middle ear can cause this type of hearing
loss)
Sensorineural hearing loss (pathology that involves
inner ear and Auditory Nerve can cause this type of
hearing loss)
Mixed Hearing Loss ( Conductive + Sensorineural)

4. Degree Of Hearing Loss
Source: Clark, J. G. (1981). Uses and abuses of hearing loss classification. Asha, 23, 493–500.
Degree of Hearing Loss Threshold of Hearing (Pure tone
Average)
Normal –10 to 15
Slight 16 to 25
Mild 26 to 40
Moderate 41 to 55
Moderately severe 56 to 70
Severe 71 to 90
Profound 91+

5. Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss
oMalformation of outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear structures
oFluid in the middle ear secondary to colds
oEar Infection (otitis media)
oAllergies
oPoor Eustachian tube function
oPerforated eardrum
oBenign tumors
oImpacted earwax
oInfection in the ear canal
oForeign body in the ear
oOtosclerosis

6. Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
oGenetic
oChromosomal Disorder
oHigh Noise Exposure
oHead trauma
oVirus or disease
oAutoimmune inner ear disease
oAging (presbycusis)
oMalformation of the inner ear
oMeniere’s Disease
oTumors

7. Rehabilitation
Most of the Conductive hearing loss and few Sensorineural hearing
loss are reversible and those can be treated with medicine or surgical
intervention
Most of the Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Mixed hearing loss required
habilitation / rehabilitation process
Most of the Congenital hearing loss are sensorineural and that affects
development of speech and language
Providing Amplification is the first step of habilitation / rehabilitation
process

8. Amplification Devices
Hearing Aids
Implantable Devices
Assistive listening Devices

9. Hearing Aid

Hearing Aid is an electronic device that
amplifies sound for hearing impaired
individual to understand speech.

10. Types of Hearing Aids
Based On Technology –
Analog
Semi digital
Programmable Digital
Based On Style –
Body Worn / Pocket model
Behind The Ear- BTE (mini, standard, power, open, RIC/RITE)
Custom (ITE, ITC, CIC, IIC)

11. Selection and Fitting of Hearing Aids
Selection of hearing aid depends upon many factors
like, Type and degree of hearing loss, configuration of
audiogram, speech perception in quite and noise, life
style, other medical, physical and psychological
condition of the patients, family support, affordability
and many more.
Selection procedure involves subjective, objective,
comparative and prescriptive methods

12. An Audiologist is the key professional who can decide
a proper selection and fitting of hearing aids for any
individual.
If any person is suffering from hearing loss he/she
must visit Audiologist to avoid further complication.

Untreated hearing loss may cause many other
secondary complication that affects emotional,
physical and psychological condition of an individual.

13. If you are suffering from hearing
loss visit Audiologist without delay