Hearing and Hearing Loss

The sense of hearing is taken for granted by many of us – enjoying the birds´ chirping, favorite music or baby laughter are sounds that we love, without thinking much about what´s behind it. However, hearing involves incredible processes that enable the signal journey to our brain!

Hearing connects us with things we love!

Our ears are constantly active, even when we are sleeping! They are a small anatomical miracle and consist of the outer, the middle and the inner ear, and the auditory nerve that transmits the signals to the brain. Find out more on the mechanisms of signal journey through the ears!

OVERCOME HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss is not the end,
there is always a solution!

Type of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss means that the cochlear hair cells are damaged or missing. The hair cells are responsible for converting the acoustic signals into electrical signals that our brain needs to understand the sound properly. The damage to the hair cells can be caused by loud noise, genetics, head trauma, aging or various other factors in the environment.

  • This is the most common type of permanent hearing loss and reflects the problem in the inner ear! 

Type of Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss is diagnosed when a problem in the outer or middle ear prevents the sound from being transmitted to the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by infection, eardrum rupture, malformation of the ear, etc. If the problem is temporary, it can be treated with medication or surgery. When medication or surgery cannot solve the problem, there are hearing solutions that can!

  • When the inner ear is intact and functions well, but there are problems in the outer or middle ear that stop the normal sound journey!

Type of Hearing Loss

Mixed Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss describes the combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, which means that there is a combination of problems in the inner and in the middle or outer ear. Mixed hearing loss can be caused by various factors, such as cholesteatoma, other tumors, trauma, etc.

  • Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss and treatment is individually adapted!

Type of Hearing Loss

Neural Hearing Loss

When damage to the auditory nerve or complete absence of the auditory nerve prevents the signal from reaching the brain, this is called neural hearing loss. Fortunately, brainstem implants can solve this problem succesfully today!

  • Any problem or damage to the auditory nerve could cause this type of hearing loss!

RECOGNIZE THE EARLY SIGNS

The signs of hearing loss

It is important to recognize the early signs of hearing loss and to react properly, as hearing usually does not tolerate delay. Every moment of life is worth hearing!