The 3 Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects millions of people across the United States, with nearly 1 in 8 adults experiencing some degree of difficulty hearing. Despite its prevalence, hearing loss often goes unnoticed or untreated, especially in its early stages. Common signs include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on the TV or phone, struggling to follow conversations in noisy environments, or feeling like people are mumbling. Understanding the different types of hearing loss is an important first step toward effective treatment. There are three main categories: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss—each with its own causes and treatment options.

The first and most common form of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss, which occurs when there's damage to the inner ear (specifically the cochlea) or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is often the result of natural aging or "wear and tear" on the delicate hair cells (stereocilia) in the cochlea. Other causes may include genetics, certain syndromes, head trauma, exposure to ototoxic medications, or loud noise exposure. Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent, and hearing aids are the most common form of treatment to improve communication and quality of life.

Conductive hearing loss happens when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted effectively to the inner ear. The causes of conductive hearing loss can vary widely and include ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, eustachian tube dysfunction, a perforated eardrum, otosclerosis, excessive earwax, or even a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be treated medically or surgically by an Otolaryngologist (ENT doctor), especially when the underlying issue is identified and addressed.

In some cases, individuals experience a combination of both sensorineural and conductive components, which is referred to as mixed hearing loss. This means that there is damage in more than one part of the auditory pathway—both in the inner ear or nerve and in the outer or middle ear. For mixed hearing loss, patients are often referred to an ENT specialist to explore possible medical or surgical treatments for the conductive portion. Once that component is managed, hearing aids are typically recommended to help with the remaining sensorineural loss.

Determining the type of hearing loss is essential in creating an effective treatment plan. Audiologists use a combination of hearing tests and case history to identify whether the hearing loss is sensorineural, conductive, or mixed. Each type has unique causes and implications, so accurate diagnosis ensures that patients receive the appropriate care, whether it's medical treatment, hearing aids, or a combination of both.

If you or someone you love is experiencing hearing difficulties, it's important to seek professional evaluation. At Santa Rosa Hearing, we specialize in comprehensive hearing assessments and customized treatment plans to help you hear your best. Whether it's managing sensorineural loss with state-of-the-art hearing aids or referring you for medical care for a conductive issue, we’re here to support your hearing health journey