Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is classified by where in the ear the loss is caused. There are three different types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.

Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem with the outer or middle ear, such as the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear bones (ossicular chain). The issue stops sound from moving into the inner ear. A lot of cases of conductive hearing loss can be treated by an Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT) physician with medication or surgery. If the issue cannot be treated or resolved, then traditional hearing aids or a bone-conduction hearing aid could be an intervention option. Some examples of causes are an ear infection, a hole in the eardrum, or a bony growth on one of the middle ear bones.

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. This hearing loss is generally permanent. Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss may benefit from hearing technology (hearing aids or cochlear implants) and/or the use of signed language. Some causes are aging, noise exposure, or genetic mutations.

Mixed hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear/hearing nerve in conjunction with a problem in the outer or middle ear. Intervention is typically a combination of options. An example of when mixed hearing loss may occur is when an individual with sensorineural hearing loss has an ear infection.