Types of Hearing Loss

Conductive Hearing Loss

A conductive loss is when there is a problem with the outer or middle ear.  A conductive loss can be temporary because in some cases medical treatment can help. 

Some examples of a conductive loss are: 

ear infections, colds, allergies, poor eustachian tube function, impacted wax, foreign object, absence or malformation of outer ear, canal, or middle ear

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

A sensorineural loss is when damage has been done to the inner ear.  In most cases the cochlea was damaged, which makes speech difficult to understand, and the inability to hear some sounds.  This is a permanent hearing loss. 

Some examples of a sensorineural loss are:

birth injury or complications, illness, genetics, head trauma, viruses, certain medications, exposure to loud noise, and old age

Mixed Hearing Loss

A mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural. 

Degree of Loss

 Sound is measured in decibels (dB).  Most people have a wide range of loss.  For example, the loss can be mild and then slope down to severe across the frequencies. 

Normal range or no impairment = 0 dB to 20 dB

Mild loss = 20 dB to 40 dB

Moderate loss = 40 dB to 60 dB

Severe loss = 60 dB to 80 dB

Profound loss = 80 dB or more