Most hearing losses may be grouped into three categories:
Conductive Loss
Conductive hearing loss is caused by dysfunction of the outer or middle ear. Impacted earwax, eardrum perforations, middle ear infections, or problems with middle ear bones can all cause conductive loss. Typically these problems can be medically or surgically treated.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
The most common type of impairment, sensorineural hearing loss is usually the result of damage to the sensory cells and/or nerve fibers of the inner ear. This is the type of loss we associate with the aging process, though other factors, such as heredity or prolonged exposure to loud noise, may bring about the same result. Because there is no way to reverse this condition medically or surgically, amplification via a hearing aid is usually prescribed and in most cases proves effective.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a condition in which both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss are present. A medical examination will determine whether medical intervention or hearing aids provides the best method of treatment.
