Types of Hearing Loss

There are three basic types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. Conductive Hearing Loss Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked by the outer/middle ear. This type of loss is usually treated thru medication or surgery. Causes of conductive hearing loss may include: ear infection or middle ear fluid excessive ear wax (cerumen) stiffness in the middle ear bones (otosclerosis) ear drum perforation Sensorineural Hearing Loss Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the hearing nerve is damaged and cannot send signals to the brain. This type of loss cannot be corrected by medication or surgery. Hearing aids are usually helpful. Causes of sensorineural hearing loss may include: natural aging process (presbycusis) noise exposure hereditary factors illness/traumatic injury ototoxic medication acoustic tumors diseases/illness Mixed Hearing Loss Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Causes of mixed hearing loss may include: aging process & ear wax noise exposure & middle ear fluid acoustic tumor & perforated ear drum