Questions and Answers on Hearing Problems

Hearing loss is the total or partial inability to hear sound in one or both ears.  There are many causes of hearing loss – genetic, congenital, infectious, traumatic, toxic, occupational and age-related.  They can be divided into two main categories: conductive and sensorineural.  Conductive hearing loss (CHL) occurs because of some mechanical problem in the external or middle ear.  Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) results from a dysfunction of the inner ear.  CHL is often reversible, but SNHL is not.  People who have both forms of hearing loss are said to have mixed hearing loss.

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