Types of Hearing Loss

There are two main causes of hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss originates in the external or middle ear. Some of the common causes of conductive hearing loss are:

• Impacted wax in the external ear canal
• Perforated eardrum
• Middle ear infection (common in young children)
• Otosclerosis.

Conductive hearing is generally treatable, either with medication or through surgical procedures.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage to the nerves in the inner ear. Some of the common causes of sensorineural hearing loss:

• Heredity
• Aging
• Noise exposure

Sensorineural hearing loss is generally permanent. Individuals with sensorineural hearing impairment can often be helped with amplification.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of a sensorineural and a conductive hearing loss. Individuals with mixed hearing loss are referred for medical treatment for the conductive component of the hearing loss. Following medical clearance, the patient may benefit from amplification for the sensorineural component of the hearing loss.