There are many causes of hearing problems ranging from something as simple as wax blocking the ear canal to serious medical problems requiring medical intervention. The only way to find out for sure is to have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist.

Two Common Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss – A sensorineural loss is the result of damage to the nerve fibers in the inner ear. It is commonly caused or exacerbated by the natural aging process, but can also be caused by noise exposure, strong medications, diabetes, stroke, and other circulatory diseases. Hearing aids are the best solution to a sensorineural hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss – Conductive hearing loss is caused by any malfunction or obstruction of the outer or middle ear. Some common causes are an obstruction (commonly, wax) or infection in the ear canal, a perforation or scarring of the eardrum or middle ear, fluid behind the eardrum, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or fixation of the middle ear bones (known as Otosclerosis). Many conductive hearing losses can be helped with medical treatment.