Types of Hearing Loss in ChildrenWhat are the different types of hearing loss? There are 3 main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed (both sensorineural and conductive). These types of hearing loss can be present at birth (congenital). Or they can occur after birth (acquired). SensorineuralThis is a loss of function in the inner ear or with the connection to the brain. Causes of this type of hearing loss include: Conditions that are present at birth (congenital) such as: The mother has an infection such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, or syphilis The mother has diabetes Complications linked to Rh factor in the blood Genetic factors and syndromes the child has at birth A condition that is passed down in the family (hereditary)
Conditions that occur after birth (acquired) such as: Conductive hearing lossThis is a problem in the outer or middle ear where sound waves are not sent to the inner ear correctly. It is the most common type of hearing loss in children. It often develops after birth. Factors that may cause this type of hearing loss are: Congenital conditions such as: Problems with the outer ear Problems with the eardrum Problems with the outside ear canal Problems with the 3 tiny bones that send sound waves to the middle ear (ossicles)
Acquired conditions such as: Excessive wax Something gets stuck in the ear canal, such as beads or popcorn kernels Middle ear tumors Problems with the eustachian tube Ear infections Ongoing (chronic) ear infections with fluid in the middle ear Ruptured eardrum (perforated eardrum)
Mixed hearing lossThis is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. There is damage to the outer, middle, or inner ear, or the auditory nerve. |