Hearing aids and types of hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss refers to a variety of conditions that result in impaired sound transmission within the inner ear due to damage to hair cells or the auditory nerve. As a result, digital hearing aids and hearing implants, such as cochlear implants, are believed to be the most effective solutions for this type of hearing loss. The former employs advanced sound amplification technology to improve hearing, while the latter uses alternative methods to transmit sound signals.

When an individual experiences unilateral hearing loss, only one ear has a reduced level of hearing ability, while the other ear maintains normal hearing ability. The appropriate treatments for this type of hearing loss may vary. In cases where the hearing loss is significant, CROS hearing aids may be recommended. These aids utilize advanced technology to transmit sound received by the affected ear to the normally functioning ear through various means, including wireless transmission. In other cases, the preferred solution may be the use of BAHA systems.

Conductive hearing loss refers to a problem in the transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear, where the inner ear is working well but the vibrations do not reach the inner ear correctly, resulting in a feeling of not being able to hear well or experiencing resonance effects. To treat this type of hearing loss, the most effective solutions depend on the specific characteristics of the individual's condition and may include conventional hearing aids or BAHA implants.

When both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss occur together, it is referred to as mixed hearing loss. This type of hearing loss can stem from issues in the inner, middle, or outer ear. As with all types of hearing loss, a personalized approach is necessary, and for mixed hearing loss, the most suitable solutions typically include hearing aids, particularly behind-the-ear models, and various types of implants, such as BAHA.