A hearing loss occurs when any part of the hearing system does not function properly. There are three types of hearing loss:

Conductive Loss - is caused by damage to the outer or middle ear. Sound waves are blocked as they move through the outer or middle ear. Since the sound cannot travel effectively, the sound energy reaching the inner ear is weakened or muffled. Conductive loss may result from infection, earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, damage to the middle ear bones, a perforation in the eardrum or an obstruction in the ear canal. This type of loss is usually treated with earwax removal, medicine or surgery.

Signs & Symptoms of Conductive Loss:

• Perceiving speech and other sounds as stifled or distant
• Ear discomfort or discharge from ear - Swelling or redness of the outer ear
• Pressure or fullness in the ear

Sensorineural Loss - (also known as "nerve deafness") is caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. The inner ear is unable to transfer the sound vibrations to the brain and it usually occurs in both ears. It is the most common type of loss and it can result from aging, noise exposure, disease, birth defects and nerve damage. This type of loss is usually treated with amplification (hearing devices).

Signs & Symptoms of Sensorineural Loss:

• Difficultly understanding speech in background noise
• Speech and other sounds seem unclear
• Trouble hearing high pitched sounds
• Persistent or episodic ringing or buzzing sound in ears

Mixed Loss- is caused by damage to the outer or middle ear and the inner ear. It is the combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing losses

Signs & Symptoms of Mixed Loss:

• See "Signs & Symptoms of Conductive and Sensorineural Losses"

Answers from the Doctor

5-Minute Understanding Test

• Take a 5-Minute Speech Understanding Test

Common Questions

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