Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss occurs when one or more parts of the ear are temporarily or permanently damaged. There are three types of hearing loss, which are differentiated by the area of the ear where the damage has occurred. In order to effectively treat your hearing loss, your audiologist first must determine what type of hearing loss you have. This can be done through a series of hearing tests. The most common type of hearing loss affects the inner ear and is called sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is less common and is caused by damage to the outer or middle ear. Mixed hearing loss is the least common type of hearing loss in Akron residents and involves a combination of sensorineural and conductive damage.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (specifically the hair cells of the cochlea), the auditory nerve or the brain’s processing center. Approximately 9 in 10 cases of hearing loss in Akron-area patients are caused by inner ear problems. Sensorineural hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe or profound and is typically permanent. Most of the time, hearing aids are the best option for treating sensorineural damage. In some cases, however, amplification isn’t effective in treating patients with severe damage to the cochlea. In these circumstances, your audiologist may recommend cochlear implants. The most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are loud noise exposure and the natural aging process. Other, less common causes include:
- Viral infections
- Injury or trauma
- Hereditary factors
- Ototoxic medications
- Autoimmune disorders
- Certain diseases including Meniere’s
- Malformations of the inner ear
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss results from damage to the middle or outer ear and is often temporary. It can be caused by a variety of factors including fluid in the middle ear, middle or outer ear infections, allergies, impacted earwax, foreign objects in the ear, Eustachian tube problems, malformations of the outer or middle ear, swimmer’s ear, surfer’s ear and otosclerosis. Most cases of conductive hearing loss cause mild to moderate impairments. Conductive issues are typically treated with medication or nonsurgical procedures, though surgery is occasionally required.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is quite rare and occurs when a patient is suffering from both sensorineural and conductive issues at the same time. Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of the hearing loss and may include medication, hearing aids, nonsurgical procedures or surgery.
Hearing Services
Self-Test for Hearing Loss
Are you worried about your hearing? Do you have concerns about how your child hears? Ask yourself the questions below to find out if you should have a hearing test.
Do I need to have my hearing tested?
See our audiologists if you answer “yes” to more than two of the following questions:
- Do you have a problem hearing over the telephone?
- Do you hear better in one ear than the other when you are on the phone?
- Do you have trouble understanding when two or more people talk at the same time?
- Do people complain that you turn the TV volume up too high?
- Do you have to strain to understand what people say?
- Do you have trouble hearing in a noisy place?
- Do you have trouble hearing in restaurants?
- Do you have dizziness, pain, or ringing in your ears?
- Do you ask people to repeat what they said?
- Do family members or coworkers tell you that you are not hearing what they say?
- Do many people you talk to seem to mumble or not speak clearly?
- Do you have trouble understanding women and children?
- Do people get annoyed because you don’t understand what they say?
Does my child need to have his or her hearing tested?
Take your child to see our audiologists if you notice any of the following:
- Your child does not always respond to sounds.
- Your child does not say many words.
- Your child’s speech is not clear.
- You notice that your child has the TV, radio, or headphones turned up too loud.
- Your child does not follow directions.
- Your child says, “Huh?” or “What?” a lot.
- Your child does not answer when your call for him.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Adult and Pediatric ENT
Some patients may be concerned about a trip to the doctor’s office. We strive to provide a friendly atmosphere where you and your children will feel comfortable. Dr. Masin has many years of experience and strives to provide the special care required to treat ear, nose and throat conditions. If surgery is necessary, Dr. Masin operates at Akron General Medical Center (downtown and in Montrose), Summa Akron City Hospital and Akron Children's Hospital.
Some of the Adult and Pediatric ENT problems we treat at Dr. Masin’s office include:
- allergies
- hearing loss
- chronic tonsil infections
- snoring or enlarged tonsils
- obstructive sleep apnea
- nasal obstruction
- chronic sinus infections
- nosebleeds
- tongue tie
- drooling
- chronic ear problems and infections
- cholesteatoma
- Sophono and BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) implants
- breathing difficulties or airway abnormalities
- hoarseness
- vocal cord problems
- abnormal voice or speech
- congenital abnormalities of the ear
- head and neck mass or tumors
- congenital neck masses
We are conveniently located in Fairlawn between Miller Road and Summit Mall and will make every effort to accommodate your schedule when trying to coordinate multiple appointments.
Our Services
EAR
- Ear Infections
- Ear Tubes
- Hearing Loss
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus
- Cholesteatoma
- Swimmer’s Ear
- Perforated Eardrum
- Hearing Aids
- Custom Ear Plugs for Swimming and Noise Protection
NOSE
- Sinusitis
- Sinus Surgery
- Snoring
- Sleep Apnea
- Nose Bleeds
- Nasal Endoscopy
THROAT
- Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery
- Voice Disorders
- Swallowing Disorders
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Laryngoscopy
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
MEDICAL AESTHETICS
- Skin Care
- Fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic
- Permanent Makeup
- Tattoo Removal
- Sclerotherapy
ALLERGY SERVICES
- Allergy Testing
- Customized Allergy Treatments