Types of hearing loss

Often, people with all types of hearing loss struggle to hear soft sounds and high-pitched sounds such as whispers, children’s voices, or birdsong. However, the type of hearing loss a person has can influence how their hearing is affected.
There are three main types of hearing loss:

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is prevented from reaching the inner ear at full strength. This can be caused by blockages from earwax, fluid in the middle ear, or damage to the bones in the middle ear.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways that transmit sound from the ear to the brain. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent and can be caused by exposure to loud noises, aging, or certain medical conditions.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This means that there is a problem in both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or nerve pathways.
Audiogram for sensorineural hearing loss in a left ear

FAQs

A comprehensive hearing evaluation by a hearing care professional is the best way to diagnose hearing loss. This may include a hearing test, medical history review, and physical examination of the ear.
In some cases, hearing loss can be reversed with medical treatment or surgery. But usually, especially with sensorineural hearing loss, it is permanent and can only be managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Yes, exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage to the inner ear and lead to hearing loss. It is important to protect your ears from loud noises.
Yes. Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common condition that affects many older adults.
Yes. Some causes of are genetic and may be present at birth or develop later during childhood or adulthood.
Yes, some lifestyle changes that can help prevent hearing loss include protecting your ears from loud noises, avoiding unnecessary exposure to ototoxic drugs, and maintaining good overall health.

Hearing health: Sensorineural hearing loss

As the most common type of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is well-researched and commonly treatable with hearing aids.
...click to read more

Hearing health: Conductive hearing loss

Depending on the underlying cause, conductive hearing may be improved through medication or surgery, or may be best treated with hearing aids. Therefore, it is useful to understand how and why it occurs.
...click to read more

Hearing health: Mixed hearing loss

Because mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, diagnosis and treatment can involve a few more steps. 
...click to read more

Hearing health: Auditory processing hearing loss

If you, your child, or your loved one is having problems hearing, in rare cases the problem may be neurological, not aural. 
...click to read more

What you need to know about viral causes of hearing loss

Hearing loss isn't always caused by old age; it can be caused by many other factors, including viruses.
...click to read more

What is an audiogram?

An audiogram is a graph of your hearing test results which shows your level and type of hearing loss.  Learn about audiogram types, symbols and tests.
…click to read more
Go to the top