What type of hearing loss is often treated with hearing aids?

Hearing aids are commonly used to treat conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently travel through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. This type of hearing loss can be caused by various factors, such as blockages like earwax, fluid in the middle ear, or structural issues.

Hearing aids amplify sounds, making it easier for individuals with conductive hearing loss to hear. They are designed to increase the volume of sounds that reach the ear, compensating for the reduced sound transmission that characterizes this type of hearing loss.

In contrast, other types of hearing loss may not benefit as significantly from hearing aids. For instance, sensorineural hearing loss involves damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, and while hearing aids can help in some cases, they may not fully restore hearing. Mixed hearing loss, which includes both conductive and sensorineural components, might require more complex interventions beyond just amplification. Functional hearing loss, often related to psychological factors rather than physiological issues, may also not respond to traditional hearing aids.