Conductive Hearing Loss: A loss of hearing which is caused by a problem in the external or middle ear.

Common causes of conductive hearing loss: impacted wax in the external ear canal, perforated eardrum, middle ear infection (common in young children) and otosclerosis.

Conductive hearing losses are generally treatable either with medication or through surgical procedures.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A loss of hearing which is the result of damage to the nerves in the inner ear.

Common causes of sensorineural hearing loss: heredity, aging, noise exposure.

Sensorineural hearing losses are generally permanent. Individuals with sensorineural hearing impairment can often be helped with amplification.

Mixed Hearing Loss: A combination of a sensorineural hearing loss 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.