Search
Close this search box.

What is Mixed or Combined hearing loss?

What is a mixed hearing loss and how is it treated? A mixed hearing loss is a combination of a conductive hearing loss and a sensorineural hearing loss. Read more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of mixed hearing loss below.

Definition of Mixed or Combined hearing loss

Mixed or Combined hearing loss describes the occurrence of conductive hearing loss that also has a sensorineural component. The adverse effects result from the component that is more pronounced.

The treatment method takes its cue from the severity of the hearing loss but also depends on its make-up. It may suffice to manage minor or temporary hearing loss medically. With the beginning of a moderately severe hearing loss, however, a hearing aid is generally prescribed. In very profound cases of combined hearing loss, a bone conduction implant may be carried out. The ENT doctor or a hearing aid provider usually decides upon treatment methods in order to increase your quality of life and health.

A mixed hearing loss is a problem in your outer or middle ear and in your inner ear. Audiologists can help you if you have a mixed hearing loss.

Causes

Mixed or Combined hearing loss may arise from a chronic middle ear infection or otosclerosis involving the inner ear. However, multiple independent causes for conductive and sensorineural hearing loss may also be factors.

Mixed hearing loss commonly occurs when the ear sustains some sort of trauma. It also can happen gradually over time when one hearing loss is compounded by another. For example, a person with a long-standing conductive hearing loss might experience age-related hearing loss as they age. Alternatively, a person with age-related hearing loss may have a temporary mixed hearing loss due to wax impaction. Blast injuries or other types of trauma can cause both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

The most typical causes of mixed hearing loss are the same as for conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, and include:

  • Genetic factors
  • Aging; after age 65, one out of three people has hearing loss
  • Excessive noise, often from work or listening to loud music
  • Certain medications
  • Birth conditions
  • Tumors and diseases
  • Head trauma
  • Ear wax
  • Ear infections

Treatment

As Mixed or combined hearing loss is a mixture of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, the treatment varies significantly among patients. Therefore, an individual solution needs to be found for every person. Medication is often used for temporary and weak combined hearing losses. In moderate and permanent cases hearing aids provide a satisfying remedy.

As with any medical condition, it’s best to know what you “have” before deciding what to do about it. A consultation with a hearing professional can help determine the type, cause and degree of your hearing loss. Click here to find an experienced provider near you.

The physical effects include fatigue, exhaustion, headaches and stress. If you suspect a sign of hearing loss, please call us at +8801755574799+8801814091509 to schedule a hearing test appointment with a local hearing aid provider in your area.

 

Learn about other types of hearing loss:

Leave a Reply

Recent Article

Free Online Hearing Test

Hearing Test
Close