Learn causes and symptoms of mixed hearing loss, and the available treatments.
Mixed hearing loss is a type of hearing difficulty that is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
When there are problems with the outer- or middle ear's ability to conduct sound waves and with the inner ear and/or the auditory nerve's ability to process sound data and pass it along to the brain, treatments need to address both issues in order to be effective and help people hear to their best ability.
There are a few medical terms that can be used to describe specific types of mixed hearing loss and put a finer point on a diagnosis. If the condition only occurs on one side of the patient, it is known as unilateral mixed hearing loss. If it presents on both sides, it is known as bilateral mixed hearing loss. The severity of mixed hearing loss can vary greatly, ranging from mild all the way down to profound hearing loss.
If the severity of mixed hearing loss is the same in both ears, it is described as symmetrical. If it differs in each ear, it is known as asymmetrical.
Mixed hearing loss can also be described in terms of the frequencies at which hearing is most affected. High-frequency hearing loss means that it's difficult to distinguish higher-pitched sounds, such as children's voices or birds singing. Low-frequency hearing loss refers to challenges hearing sounds with lower pitches, like thunder or dogs barking.
The most noticeable symptom of mixed hearing loss is a decreased ability to hear sounds, especially faint sounds. However, because mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, symptoms of either or both conditions may also be present at the same time.
Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss: Muffled hearing, difficulty understanding conversation amidst background noise, sudden loss of hearing, ringing in the ears and vertigo or balance issues.
Symptoms of conductive hearing loss: Sudden onset of hearing loss, pain or discomfort, feeling of pressure in the ear and potential draining of fluid in the ear.
Because it is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, anything that causes those two conditions can lead to mixed hearing loss. Here are some of the leading causes:
Because these symptoms are shared among multiple types of hearing loss, it can be difficult to determine the exact source or cause. A hearing specialist from Miracle-Ear may be able to assess your symptoms and find a solution to treat your mixed hearing loss.
The most common way to diagnose mixed hearing loss is an audiometric hearing evaluation, in combination with examination of the ears, nose, throat and neck, and a detailed patient history. Your hearing care specialist uses the physical information to identify possible physiological issues, while audiometry examines the severity of hearing loss in detail.
An audiometric evaluation is conducted by a hearing specialist on a device known as an audiometer. The result of this test, called an audiogram, is interpreted by the hearing specialist to determine the type and severity of hearing loss a patient is experiencing. A mixed hearing loss audiogram will illustrate the combination of factors affecting your ability to hear. For example, a person may have age-related hearing loss AND excessive build-up of earwax, which, when combined, result in a mixed hearing loss. Your audiologist will review your results with you to discuss in detail the causes of what you're experiencing and next steps for treatment.
The conductive element of mixed hearing loss, depending on the underlying cause, can often be treated with medical or surgical procedures. The sensorineural portion of mixed hearing loss, however, generally is not treatable with medical or surgical procedures, though there are some rare exceptions.
Most often, mixed hearing loss is treated with a combination of medical or surgical intervention, and sound amplification devices like hearing aids. However, every case of mixed hearing loss is unique. To find a solution that addresses your individual case while meeting your lifestyle needs, make an appointment with a hearing specialist from Miracle-Ear to discuss your options.
