Hearing is a complex sense that involves both ear’s ability to detect sounds and the ability of your brain to interpret those sounds. Hearing loss, otherwise known as hearing impairment or deafness, refers to a partial or a total inability to hear. This is one of the most common conditions affecting older generation with about 17 percent of American adults reporting some degree of deafness. According to statistics, men experience more hearing loss than women do. Most family doctors or general practitioners do not routinely screen for hearing loss. A hearing loss specialist or hearing doctor specializes in screening and treating these conditions.
Types of hearing doctors
When it comes to hiring hearing doctors Naples patients, based on one’s problem, may choose from the below types:
- Audiologist- This is a non-physician care professional whose areas of specialization are in testing, identification, Certification is an indication that the medical practitioners hold a degree of medical science in the specialty of hearing.
- Hearing aid specialist- Is a doctor who has specialized in selection, fitting, and adjustment of the hearing aid. Some of them have gone an extra mile and attained an independent board certification as hearing instrument specialists. International Hearing Society grants this.
- Otologist or Neurotologist-This ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist has had a special training concentrating on conditions of the ear.
- ENT doctor- Is a physician who has received further medical training involving ear, throat, and throat. They diagnose and treat disease of the ear.
Types of hearing loss
Hearing can be classified by which part of the hearing system is damaged. There are three categories of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss-This occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear. This may be due to the buildup of the earwax, fluid, or a punctured eardrum. Conducting hearing loss is temporary and can be restored using medical or surgical treatment.
- Sensorineural hearing loss-This involves the damage of the inner ear or the hearing nerve. This type of auditory loss is usually permanent.
- Mixed hearing loss-This occurs when the patient has both Sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This is a more serious condition and could be permanent.
Causes of hearing loss
- Noise
- Aging
- Diseases
- Heredity
