Conductive Hearing Loss – Occurs when sound cannot travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear. This may be due to issues in the ear canal, eardrum, or the small bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, stapes). Sound may simply seem quieter. This type of hearing loss is often treatable with medication or surgery.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss – This form of hearing loss originates in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. It may be caused by damaged hair cells, inner ear fluid issues, or nerve dysfunction. It results in both reduced volume and sound distortion. Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent and managed with hearing aids or assistive technology.
Mixed Hearing Loss – Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural types. It involves damage in both the outer/middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve, resulting in more complex hearing challenges than either type alone.
