Peripheral hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that is caused by a dysfunction of the auditory structures located outside of the central nervous system. These structures include the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.

What is the peripheral hearing system?

The peripheral hearing system is the part of the auditory system that is responsible for collecting sound waves and converting them into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The peripheral hearing system is made up of three parts:

• The outer ear: The outer ear collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal.
• The middle ear: The middle ear amplifies sound waves and sends them to the inner ear.
• The inner ear: The inner ear converts sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

What are the three types of hearing loss?

There are three main types of hearing loss:

• Conductive hearing loss: Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem in the outer ear or middle ear that blocks or impairs the transmission of sound waves to the inner ear.
• Sensorineural hearing loss: Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by a problem in the inner ear or auditory nerve that prevents the brain from receiving the electrical signals that represent sound.
• Mixed hearing loss: Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

What are the different types of peripheral hearing loss?

There are two main types of peripheral hearing loss:

• Conductive hearing loss: Conductive hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
  • Earwax buildup: Earwax buildup can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from reaching the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
  • Middle ear infection: Middle ear infections can cause inflammation and swelling of the middle ear, which can block sound waves from reaching the inner ear.
  • Perforated eardrum: A perforated eardrum can also block sound waves from reaching the inner ear.
• Sensorineural hearing loss: Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
  • Age-related hearing loss: Age-related hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It is caused by a gradual loss of hair cells in the inner ear.
  • Genetics: Some people are born with sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Noise exposure: Exposure to loud noise can damage hair cells in the inner ear and cause sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Medications: Some medications can cause sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Head injury: A head injury can damage the inner ear or auditory nerve and cause sensorineural hearing loss.

What is the difference between the peripheral and central auditory system?

The peripheral auditory system is the part of the auditory system that is responsible for collecting sound waves and converting them into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The central auditory system is the part of the auditory system that is responsible for processing these electrical signals and interpreting them as sound.

The peripheral auditory system is located outside of the brain, while the central auditory system is located inside the brain. The peripheral auditory system is responsible for the initial stages of hearing, while the central auditory system is responsible for the later stages of hearing.