Hearing loss, also known as hearing impairment, is a partial or total inability to hear sound due to inner ear or nerve damage.

It may be caused due to any of the following factors-

• Reading - Dyslexia
• A congenital defect
• Injury
• Disease
• Certain medication
• Exposure to loud noise or
• Age-related wear and tear

The chief symptom is an inability to hear any sound.

Some may hear sounds that can be possible with a surgery or a hearing device. Lip-reading skills, written or printed text and sign language may help with communication.

Types of hearing impairment:

Conductive hearing loss

results from a problem with the outer or middle ear, including the ear canal, eardrum, or ossicles. A blockage or other structural problem interferes with how sound gets conducted through the ear, making sounds seem quieter. In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be corrected with medications or surgery.

Sensorineural hearing loss

results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. The most common type is caused by the outer hair cells not functioning correctly. The person has trouble hearing, understanding speech, and interpreting various sounds. This type of hearing loss is permanent. In many cases, hearing aids can help the person hear usually.