what are three types of hearing loss and how one can communicate with each type?

Answer 1

Loaded question. I can tell you that there are three basic sites/types of hearing loss: Conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. A conductive hearing loss can involve the outer or middle ear. It is basically a hearing loss that is due to a blockage that breaks down the conduction of sound into the inner ear. This can be caused by excessive build up of earwax, a hole in the eardrum, fluid in the middle ear space, hardening of the bone chain in the middle ear or negative pressure in the middle ear space. Theoretically, this type of loss can be treated medically.

Sensorineural hearing loss is a hearing loss that is located in the inner ear or beyond. The causes of this can be from hereditary factors, noise exposure, aging, ototoxic medications, viral infections, etc. Treatment of this type of hearing loss is most likely hearing devices, but in some instances medical treatment is a viable option.

Mixed hearing loss is a "mixture" of a conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. There is involvement of the middle ear and inner ears. Treatment may be medical and/or hearing devices.

Communication solutions would depend on how signficant the problem may be. Sometimes hearing aids can solve most of the problems if hearing aids are recommended. Other times a hearing aid will be used in addition to other assistive listening devices to help in specific listening situations.

This is an outline of the types of problems and what can be done. I would recommend that you see an audiologist who can diagnose the exact degree and nature of the hearing loss, can provide the necessary counseling regarding communication strategies, and can recommend the best solutions for the problem.

Answer 2

What I've experienced helps is to speak a little more slowly -- separate my words; to speak clearly, pronouncing words distinctly, using my lips (don't mumble); and look at the person (they may not have lip-reading technique, but they develop it subconsciously). What doesn't help is to shout. Patience is also useful!