Hearing loss is a challenging condition to both live and deal with on a daily basis.
According to the World Health Organization, generally known as the WHO, more than 5 percent of the global population, or 430 million people, require rehab to treat a disabling hearing impairment.
Debilitating hearing loss is that which is greater than 35 dB in volume.
There are three types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.
One question those who have experienced conductive hearing loss want to know is – is conductive hearing loss permanent?
Find the answer, and some other helpful info about this type of hearing loss, below.
Is Conductive Hearing Loss Permanent?
No, conductive hearing loss is not permanent. Conductive hearing loss is a loss that is only temporary and should not last.
So what causes it? Conductive hearing loss is a hearing loss caused by injury to the outer or middle ear. Fortunately, conductive hearing loss is reversible.
Symptoms and Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss
Several of the most prevalent symptoms of conductive hearing loss include the following:
- Gradual deterioration of auditory perceptions
- Ear pain
- Muffled hearing
- Inability to hear faint noises or those played at a low volume
- Ear fluid drainage
- A sensation of fullness or stuffiness in the ears
- Dizziness
Conductive hearing loss is a rather uncommon occurrence. Common causes are earwax buildup or ear infections. Still, there are other causes of conductive hearing loss.
Additionally, strenuous exercise and stress might result in conductive hearing loss. Intracranial pressure can be caused by exercises or workouts such as lifting weights heavier than your typical carrying capacity.
How Does Conductive Hearing Loss Differ from Others?
On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss happens when the inner ear is damaged. Sensorineural hearing loss is irreversible and permanent.
The following are the most frequently seen symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss:
- Children’s and female voices are difficult to hear and interpret.
- Hearing difficulty when there is a lot of background noise
- Disorientation or lack of balance
- Difficulties hearing high-pitched noises
- Sounds that are muffled
- Acoustic tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
Aging is a factor that commonly brings about sensorineural hearing loss. As we age, our bodies deteriorate, and hearing loss due to aging is a distinct possibility.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise, on the other hand, may result in permanent hearing loss. However, not all loud noises are capable of causing permanent hearing loss. In some cases, exposure to loud noises may result in temporary hearing loss.
How to Treat Conductive Hearing Loss
In some cases, addressing your conductive hearing loss may simply require giving yourself time to heal.
For cases like earwax buildup- there is good news. Earwax buildup can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments or prescription remedies such as mineral oil.
Other cases, like ear infections, may require a doctor consultation and prescription for antibiotics or other treatments.
You can learn more by reading our article on whether you can restore hearing loss naturally and methods to do so.
In conclusion, conductive hearing loss is not permanent and is only temporary. On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and can only be treated with implanted devices and hearing loss.