Hearing Tests in Waterloo, IA Can Help You Identify Your Specific Type of Hearing Loss

February 22, 2019

When you go in for a hearing test, one of the things you’ll need to be tested for is the severity of your hearing loss. How much or how little you can hear will play a major role in what type of hearing aid and what settings you’ll need to hear properly.

However, hearing tests in Waterloo, IA can also identify another important factor of your hearing: the specific type of hearing loss you have. Identifying your hearing loss type is just as important for finding you the perfect kind of hearing aids.

Types of hearing loss

There are four major types of hearing loss that can occur. Each has its own set of causes and can result in different types of hearing problems:

Conductive: Conductive hearing loss is caused by a blockage or damage to the middle or outer ear, which prevents sound from being conducted into the inner ear. People with this type of hearing loss often report that sounds are muffled or very quiet. Many things can cause conductive hearing loss, including earwax or fluid buildup, ear infections, a perforated eardrum or abnormal bone growth.
Sensorineural: If you have sensorineural hearing loss, there is damage to or a malfunction of the sensory receptors present in your cochlea (inner ear). This is the most common form of permanent hearing loss and can cause muffled sounds or ringing in the ears.
Mixed: Mixed hearing loss is when conductive and sensorineural hearing loss occur simultaneously. This means that there are problems with both the outer or middle and inner ears.
Auditory neuropathy: Auditory neuropathy occurs when the auditory nerve that is supposed to transmit signals from the cochlea to the brain doesn’t work properly. People with this condition might have difficulty understanding speech.

Why you need a hearing test to identify them

Because there are numerous types of hearing loss that can be caused by a wide variety of ear problems, it’s important that you get a hearing test to determine the true type and extent of your hearing loss. Not all cases of hearing loss are exactly the same, and hearing tests in Waterloo, IA are designed with that in mind.

If you’re having trouble with your hearing, you may believe it’s caused by one thing, but a hearing test might indicate that it’s actually caused by another. By determining your type of hearing loss and identifying the cause, your hearing aid provider will be able to better assist you in finding hearing aids that work for your specific hearing loss. Or, you may find out that your hearing loss can be corrected, and you don’t need hearing aids after all!

Visit us for a hearing test today!

Potter’s Hearing Aid Service provides hearing tests in Waterloo, IA for every age. If you’re having a hard time with your hearing, visit us to get tested, then browse our selection of top-quality hearing aids should you need them. We also offer hearing aid fittings to make them comfortable for daily use, as well as cleaning and repair to extend their lifespan.