Hearing Loss Definition & Overview

Definition

Hearing loss is a decreased ability to hear. There are two main categories of hearing loss:

Conductive hearing loss—due to something interfering with the sound passing to the inner ear.

Sensorineural hearing loss—due to damage to:

The major organ in the ear responsible for hearing (the cochlea).
The major nerve pathway (8th cranial nerve) and/or area of the brain responsible for hearing.

The Anatomy of the Ear

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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