Types of Hearing Loss

“Blindness separates us from things, but deafness separates us from people.” – Helen Keller

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can occur due to different factors and can affect individuals to varying degrees. Understanding the ‘type’ of hearing loss might require different types of hearing tests to be performed. 

The ‘type’ and ‘degree’ of hearing loss are important in determining the right treatment options, whether it be medical intervention, hearing aids, cochlear implants, or therapy.

Hearing loss is broadly classified into three main types, depending on which part of the ear they affect:

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

🦻 Occurs when sound is unable to transmit properly through the outer or middle ear into the inner ear (cochlea).

• May be caused by wax or fluid blockages, infections, damage to the eardrum, or the tiny bones of the middle ear.
• Often temporary and can be treated with medication or surgically.

Common causes include:

• Earwax buildup
• Ear infections (such as Otitis Media)
• Fluid in the middle ear
• Perforated (hole in the) eardrum
• Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the ear)

💡 Treatment Options include medication, earwax removal, surgery, or hearing aids in some cases.

Further reading on Conductive Hearing Loss

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

🧠 Occurs when the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve is damaged

• This is the most common type of permanent hearing loss
• It affects the ability to hear both volume and intelligibility of sound

Common causes include:

• Ageing (Presbycusis)
• Noise-induced hearing loss (long-term exposure to loud sounds) Further reading
• Hereditary factors
• Ototoxic medications (certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, etc.)
• Head trauma or sudden loud noises

💡 Treatment Options include Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants.

Further reading on Sensorineural Hearing Loss

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

🔄 A combination of Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Occurs when there is damage to both the inner ear (sensorineural) and there is an issue in the outer/middle ear (conductive).

Common causes include:

• Chronic ear infections leading to permanent damage
• Head trauma
• Long-term untreated conductive hearing loss

💡 Treatment Options include medical treatment for the conductive element and hearing aids or cochlear implants for the sensorineural element.