Types of Hearing Loss

Better Care Begins With Understanding Your Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects each person differently, depending on the cause and severity. That is why understanding your hearing loss is the first step toward finding the right solution. At Hear in MetroWest, we diagnose and treat all the major hearing loss while offering clear explanations and care that will fit your needs.
Some of the most common types of hearing loss are shared here, along with what causes them, and just how an audiologist can help you hear your best once again.
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Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss

There are three main categories for types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Each one affects a different part of the ear, so it requires its form of treatment or management. The key is an accurate diagnosis. Whether your hearing loss is sudden, gradual, mild, or severe, we can use advanced tools and compassionate care to help you understand what is happening and your treatment options.

Conductive Hearing Loss: Causes and Treatment Options

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear. Some of the common problems are fluid buildup...

Sensorineural Hearing Loss: The Most Common Type

The most common type of hearing loss is the sensorineural form. This occurs when the inner ear, cochlea, or the auditory nerve is damaged.

Mixed Hearing Loss: A Combination of Causes

Mixed hearing loss is just what it sounds like, a combination of conductive and sensorineural issues. This could be someone who has age-related...
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Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Presbycusis is a big word that simply means age-related hearing loss, a natural part of aging for most people. This tends to develop slowly over time and affect both ears equally. The most common symptom is difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, like chirping birds or certain voices, especially when noise in the area.
Hearing aids are the most common solution for this form of hearing loss. Today’s devices are small, discreet, comfortable, and highly effective. They are designed to enhance speech while also reducing background noise.
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"Nicole has been my audiologist for 15 years. She’s an expert, knowledgeable about hearing aids, technology, and hearing loss. She cares for me, as if I am a good friend."

- Gail H.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Prevention Tips

Long-term exposure to loud noises, whether from work, concerts, headphones, or daily activities, can cause permanent damage to the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. This is what leads to noise-induced hearing loss. Sadly, this is becoming more common in younger people.
The best treatment in this case is prevention. However, if you already have noise-related hearing loss, hearing aids can help you regain clarity and stay connected. You can protect your hearing by:

Wearing ear protection in loud environments

Turning down the volume on headphones or devices

Taking breaks from prolonged noise exposure

Scheduling regular hearing check-ups

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You Asked, We Answered

How Hearing Loss is Diagnosed by an Audiologist

Let’s Get You Hearing Better

If you are ready to improve your hearing and life, we are here to help. Hear in MetroWest offers hearing tests, guidance, and personalized solutions to meet your needs.
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