Learning Library > Types of Hearing Loss

Types of Hearing Loss

A hearing loss can occur due to problems in various places in the auditory system. If problems occur in the outer or middle ear, they cause a conductive hearing loss. If they occur in the inner ear or auditory nerve, they cause a sensorineural hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Many conductive hearing losses can be corrected with medical treatment. Possible causes of conductive hearing loss:

• Earwax
• Perforated eardrum
• Abnormality of the outer ear
• Middle ear infection
• Ossicular discontinuity
• Otosclerosis

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is usually not correctable. Possible causes of sensorineural hearing loss:

• Hereditary or genetic
• Age related (presbycusis)
• Noise induced
• Meniere’s disease
• Ototoxicity