Listen, Learn & Talk

Types of Hearing Loss

 

There are a variety of causes that can lead to hearing loss. Depending on the part of the ear that is affected, we distinguish between three types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensory-neural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss.  

Conductive Hearing Loss Any medical condition in the outer or middle ear that prevents the ear from conducting sound properly is known as a conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing losses are usually mild or moderate in nature, causing hearing losses of up to 60 or 70 decibels. In some cases, conductive hearing losses can be temporary. In many cases, medication or surgery can help, depending on the specific cause of the problem. Conductive hearing loss can usually be helped with hearing aids that, basically, amplify the received sound level.

 

 

                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sensory-neural hearing loss A problem in the inner ear or cochlea can cause sensory-neural hearing loss. Sensory-neural hearing loss results from missing or damaged sensory cells (hair cells) in the cochlea and is usually permanent. Also known as "nerve deafness", sensory-neural hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe or profound. Surgical procedures  cannot cure sensory-neural hearing loss. Treatment options for mild to serve sensory-neural hearing loss are traditional hearing aids. For severe to profound sensory-neural hearing cochlear implant can restore hearing ability.

Mixed hearing loss

This short checklist will help you determine whether you are experiencing specific hearing problems. The questions relate to everyday listening situations where many people - even those with only minor hearing losses - could experience difficulties hearing clearly. Please take your time to answer the questions, perhaps together with a close friend or family member who might have commented on your hearing ability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conductive hearing loss

Sensory-neural hearing loss