What is the way hearing loss classified?

Hearing loss can be classified in several ways, including:

1. By severity:

- Mild: Difficulty hearing soft sounds, such as whispers.

- Moderate: Difficulty hearing normal conversation.

- Severe: Difficulty hearing even loud sounds.

- Profound: Inability to hear any sound.

2. By configuration:

- Sensorineural: Damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

- Conductive: Blockage or damage to the outer or middle ear.

- Mixed: Combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

3. By onset:

- Congenital: Present at birth.

- Acquired: Develops after birth due to various factors such as noise exposure, aging, illness, or injury.

4. By location:

- Unilateral: Hearing loss in one ear.

- Bilateral: Hearing loss in both ears.

5. By temporal pattern:

- Fluctuating: Hearing loss that varies in severity over time.

- Progressive: Hearing loss that gradually worsens over time.

- Sudden: Hearing loss that occurs suddenly, usually within 72 hours.

It's important to note that hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, and its classification may change over time. Therefore, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis of hearing loss.