Hearing Loss

Types of Hearing Loss & Causes at 4 Bridges Audiology

At 4 Bridges Audiology, we are dedicated to helping patients understand and manage hearing loss with compassionate care and advanced solutions. Hearing loss is one of the most common health concerns, affecting people of all ages. When left untreated, hearing difficulties can impact communication, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life, making early evaluation and treatment essential.

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss occurs when the ear’s ability to detect and process sound is disrupted. The ear is made up of three main parts—the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear—and problems in any of these areas can affect how sound signals are sent to the brain.

There are three primary types of hearing loss:

1.Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is the most common type, caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. It is typically permanent. People with sensorineural hearing loss often describe sounds as muffled and have the most difficulty understanding speech in background noise.

2. Conductive Hearing Loss
This occurs when sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss is often temporary and may be corrected with medical treatment. Patients often report a sensation of “plugged ears” or reduced sound volume.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of both sensorineural and conductive components, this type includes symptoms from each category and may require a combination of medical and audiological solutions.

Construction worker drilling concrete floor, wearing yellow hard hat and vest.

Person pouring pills from a yellow prescription bottle into their hand.

Man in blue shirt touches his red ear, appearing to be in pain, indoors.

Woman DJ at a concert, mixing music with a dark outfit and headphones, surrounded by lights and a crowd.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, some preventable and others unavoidable:

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis): Gradual hearing decline, can start as early as 30s and 40s.
Noise Exposure: Long-term exposure to loud sounds, such as concerts, machinery, or headphones, can permanently damage the inner ear.
Genetics: A family history of hearing loss may increase risk.
Ear Infections & Illness: Chronic ear infections, fluid in the ear, or viral illnesses such as measles and mumps can affect hearing.
Earwax Blockage: Impacted earwax can temporarily block sound from reaching the eardrum.
Injury & Trauma: Head injuries or sudden pressure changes can harm delicate ear structures.
Medications (Ototoxic Drugs): Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy medications, and even high doses of aspirin can damage hearing.
Neurological Conditions: Disorders such as multiple sclerosis or acoustic neuroma (a benign tumor on the hearing nerve) may cause progressive hearing changes.

When to Seek a Hearing Evaluation

You may benefit from a hearing evaluation if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
Difficulty following conversations in noisy settings
Feeling as though others are “mumbling”
Increasing the TV or phone volume beyond what others prefer
Ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in the ears (tinnitus)
Sudden or unexplained changes in hearing

Comprehensive Hearing Testing at 4 Bridges Audiology

At 4 Bridges Audiology, we use advanced diagnostic testing to accurately determine the type and cause of hearing loss. Our evaluations go beyond basic screenings and may include:

Pure-Tone Audiometry: Identifies the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches.
Speech Recognition Testing: Assesses clarity of speech in both quiet and noisy settings.
Middle Ear Testing (Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflexes): Evaluates eardrum movement and middle ear function.
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): Tests how well the auditory nerve and brainstem respond to sound.

These tests are non-invasive, comfortable, and precise, allowing us to create a personalized care plan. Depending on results, treatment may include hearing aids, medical management, or referral to another specialist. Click here to learn more about our hearing evaluations in Chattanooga, TN.

Take the Next Step in Your Hearing Health

Hearing loss does not have to limit your daily life. At 4 Bridges Audiology, we are here to guide you toward solutions that restore confidence in communication and help you reconnect with the sounds that matter most.

Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward better hearing and a better quality of life.