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The ability to hear will always be reduced if one or more elements along the path from the outer ear to the brain are damaged.
For more information on the ear, please see our "About Hearing, the Ear" section.
Two distinct types of hearing impairment are:
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Conductive hearing impairment resulting from disturbed sound conduction in the auditory canal
or in the middle ear. This type applies to approximately 5-10 percent of all hearing impairments, and frequently, it can be treated by surgery.
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Sensorineural or inner ear hearing impairment meaning that the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged or missing
and cannot transmit sound. Normally, this type of hearing
impairment is treated with a hearing
instrument.
* Important to note, in cases bordering on deafness and/or in cases of an unsuccessful hearing instrument fitting,
the implantation of a
cochlear implant
should be considered. Please, consult your hearing health care professional for more information.
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