Hearing Loss

Hearing may be conductive and sensorineural.

Conductive hearing loss are due to obstruction of sound in the outer ear (ear canal) or middle ear (space behind the ear drum). Ear wax is the most common conductive hearing loss. Middle ear fluid, ear drum perforation and eustachian tube dysfunction are some common causes too.

Sensorineural hearing loss are due to inner ear conditions such as labyrinthitis, nerve tumour (acoustic neuroma), old age (presbycusis) or viral infection.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an ear emergency that requires treatment withing 72 hours of onset for the best outcome.