Types of Hearing Loss

To understand hearing loss it is important to know how normal hearing takes place.

There are two different pathways by which sound waves produce the sensation of hearing, air conduction and bone conduction.

In air conduction, sound waves move through the air in the external auditory canal (the ear canal is between the outside air and your eardrum). The sound waves hit the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and cause the tympanic membrane to move.

The bones in the middle ear are connected to the tympanic membrane. When the tympanic membrane moves, this movement is transmitted to the bones. These three bones are called the malleus, the incus, and the stapes. Movement of the stapes causes pressure waves in the fluid-filled inner ear.

The cochlear is an inner ear structure surrounded by fluid. It contains multiple small hairs. Pressure waves in the fluid cause the hairs to move. This movement stimulates the auditory nerve. Different frequencies of noises stimulate different hairs on the cochlea, which translate to the sensation of sounds of different pitch.

Hearing by bone conduction occurs when a sound wave or other source of vibration causes the bones of the skull to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted to the fluid surrounding the cochlea and hearing results.

We’re here to help – in any way we can

“Mrs Trembath had only to se my NHS Wrexham log book to inform me that my loss was so severe that modern hearing aids were unlikely to improve my distorted hearing.

She gave me excellent advice on clearing my wax; and thoroughly cleaned my existing mold. Additionally, she gave me sound tips on hygiene, which no previous adviser had thought to do.

My wife and I were most impressed. Such frankness and honesty are rare in my past business dealings.” (V. Pearson, Ellesmere)

Call Endon Hearing Care Centre on 01782 505666. If lines are busy or if calling after hours, please call our freephone number 0800 389 2059. Please quote reference WB EN 01 when you call.