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Hearing Loss Definition & Overview

Definition

Hearing loss is a decreased ability to hear. There are two main categories of hearing loss:

Conductive hearing loss—due to something interfering with the sound passing to the inner ear.

Sensorineural hearing loss—due to damage to:

  • The major organ in the ear responsible for hearing (the cochlea).
  • The major nerve pathway (8th cranial nerve) and/or area of the brain responsible for hearing.

The Anatomy of the Ear

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© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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