Different Types of Hearing Loss
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is different for everyone. Hearing loss ranges from mild to profound and can impact different pitches or frequencies. A comprehensive hearing test is the best way to determine exactly what sounds you can hear and might be missing. There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.
All About Decibels
Sound volume is measured in decibels (dB). For perspective, the faintest whisper is around 15-20 dB, while a jet engine hits 120 dB. The softest sounds detectable to an individual are called thresholds.
For adults, typical hearing thresholds range between 0-25 dB across tested frequencies. You probably have hearing loss if your hearing threshold is higher than 25 decibels.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there’s a disruption in sound transmission to the inner ear. There may be a problem in the ear canal, the eardrum (tympanic membrane), or the middle ear (involving ossicles and the Eustachian tube). This type of hearing loss does not affect the inner ear or the auditory nerve.
The symptoms of conductive hearing loss can include a sensation of fullness in the ear or a feeling that sounds are muffled.
- Ear infections in the outer or middle ear
- Earwax blockage
- Damage to the ossicles
- Otosclerosis
- A perforated eardrum
Conductive hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Treatment varies widely based on the cause of the hearing loss. Removing ear wax or treating an ear infection can sometimes restore hearing. However, for persistent or permanent cases, we might recommend hearing aids.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that results from damage in the inner ear. When the hair cells in the inner ear deteriorate or are damaged, you’ll experience sensorineural hearing loss.
Some symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss include tinnitus, difficulty hearing in noisy environments, trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, or speech clarity issues.
- Congenital conditions (present at birth)
- Cell damage due to genetics, infections, medications, injury, or over-exposure to loud noises
- Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is often permanent and can worsen over time. The most common and effective treatment method for this type of hearing loss is hearing aids customized to your unique hearing needs.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss refers to a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. If you have mixed hearing loss, you have several hearing concerns, including issues in both the inner and outer/middle ear structures. Treatment for mixed hearing loss depends on the specific problem. Sometimes, medical management can resolve hearing loss, but hearing aids are usually the best treatment option.