Types of Hearing Loss

When you come to our office for a hearing evaluation, our Audiologist will determine if you have a hearing loss, and if you do, what type of hearing loss. The type of hearing loss a person has is important to know because some hearing losses can be treated medically or surgically and some cannot.

There are two main types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural.

I. Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is seen when sound is unable to properly travel through the outer and/or middle ears, to reach the inner ear. A blockage causes the sound energy to be reduced before reaching the cochlea. Some causes of conductive hearing loss are:

  • Excessive cerumen build up in the ear canal
  • Damage to the eardrum
  • Fluid in the middle ear space (ear infection)
  • Abnormal mass in the middle ear space
  • Damage to any of the ossicles in the middle ear

People with conductive hearing losses often report decrease in sense of loudness, but clarity may still be okay. This type of hearing loss can often be totally or partially corrected with medical and/or surgical management, and referral to an ENT specialist is generally recommended.

II. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural is the most common type of hearing loss, occurring when there is dysfunction in the inner ear or auditory nerve.  Although we sometimes don’t know what causes a particular sensorineural hearing loss, it can arise from the following:

  • Aging (presbycusis)
  • Loud noise exposure (occupational or recreational)
  • Head trauma
  • Genetics/Hereditary
  • Use of ototoxic medications (chemotherapies, radiation, antibiotics)
  • Sudden onset (viral, autoimmune, vascular)

People with sensorineural hearing loss experience a decrease in volume, and often a decrease in clarity of speech. Tinnitus is also commonly reported. This type of loss is generally considered permanent, and not medically treatable. The recommended treatment is amplification with hearing aids.

III. Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss occurs when a person has problems in the outer or middle ear as well as the inner ear. It is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. People with mixed hearing loss should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.

How Do I Know If I Have A Hearing Loss?

As a rule, hearing changes so slowly that people are often unaware they're losing their hearing until there is a substantial hearing loss. But, sometimes hearing changes suddenly, and is very noticeable. Typical signs of hearing loss include:

  • Asking people to speak louder or repeat themselves
  • Asking somebody else: "What did they say?"
  • Turning TV up louder than others would prefer
  • Feeling that other people mumble
  • Difficulty understanding speech in background noise (restaurants, groups)
  • Difficulty hearing/understanding women and children
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • "Tuning out"
  • Withdrawing from social situations

Studies indicate that people with untreated hearing loss have more problems with work, social situations, and personal relationships. Hearing loss has a significant negative impact on quality of life. But, because hearing loss usually occurs so gradually, people "get used to it," and often find themselves in denial about their hearing problems.

If you suspect a hearing loss in yourself or a loved one, the first step to improving quality of life is to have a hearing evaluation, to determine if a hearing loss exists, how much, and what type. Our audiologist will provide a complete hearing evaluation, a thorough, easy-to-understand explanation of your test results, and recommendations for hearing better. If you are a hearing aid candidate, our Audiologist will educate you regarding the many options in modern hearing aids, and work with you to design a custom hearing solution that works to improve your quality of life. Calling for an appointment is the biggest step, but we’ll help you every step of the way! Contact our office today so you can start hearing better and living better!