Types of hearing loss

What are the main types of hearing loss?

The main types are differentiated based on which part of the ear is damaged:

• Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. This prevents the damaged area from properly transmitting sound to the brain.
• Conductive hearing loss is caused by damage in the external and/or middle ear and, in most cases, it is medically treatable.
• Mixed hearing loss - In some cases, both aspects of sensorineural and conductive are present; this is referred to as mixed hearing loss.

Degree of hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (or sensorineural deafness) is the most common type. When experiencing sensorineural hearing loss, sounds may be unclear or difficult to hear. Voices in conversation may be distorted, and it may seem like others are mumbling.

Causes of sensorineural hearing loss

• The natural aging process (age-related hearing loss / presbycusis)
• Excessive exposure to noise (noise-induced hearing loss).

Treating sensorineural hearing loss
This type is often treated with hearing aids.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Other types of hearing loss

There are other ways to describe hearing loss types. For example:

- High or low-frequency: Indicates whether you are unable to hear high or low-pitched sounds (i.e. high frequency hearing loss means you cannot hear high-pitched sounds)
High frequency hearing loss 
Low frequency hearing loss 

- Unilateral or bilateral: Indicates whether one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) ears are affected by hearing loss.
Bilateral
Unilateral

- Progressive or sudden hearing loss: Indicates whether the it happens quickly or gradually over time.

- Acquired or congenital: Indicates whether your hearing was present at birth or acquired at a later stage in life.

Ear Infections and Hearing Loss

Ear infections can result in hearing loss as they can cause harm to the delicate structures within the ear. This hearing loss is most often temporary but can be permanent in some cases.  Ear infections can affect either the outer, middle or inner ear or any combination of the three. One important component affected by severe infections or loud noises is the auditory nerve, responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain. Disruption of this transmission can lead to impaired hearing. Moreover, prolonged exposure to loud sounds has the potential to cause irreversible noise-induced hearing loss by damaging the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear. To address hearing loss caused by ear infections, nerve damage, or loud sounds, it is crucial to select the appropriate hearing aids.