Learn more about hearing loss, its symptoms, and its causes here.
Did you know there’s more than one kind of hearing loss? Some people may think of hearing loss as a singular condition resulting in a decreased ability to hear. But in fact, there are different types of hearing loss — each with its own individual characteristics, causes, and treatment options.
Let’s explore the symptoms, discuss possible causes, and learn about the available treatment options your hearing healthcare professional may suggest for these different types of hearing loss.
The information we’ll cover in this article is provided solely for our readers’ interest and is not intended to serve as medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation for treatment. If you have any health-related questions, please contact your healthcare provider.
Type 1: Conductive hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted effectively to the inner ear. Common symptoms of conductive hearing loss include hearing muffled or faint sounds, having difficulty understanding speech, and feeling fullness in the ear.
Possible causes of conductive hearing loss include earwax blockages, fluid in the middle ear, ear infections, or abnormal bone growth (otosclerosis). Some treatments are relatively simple, like earwax removal or a course of medication to treat an infection. If left untreated, conductive hearing loss may worsen and require surgery or more intensive treatment.
Type 2: Sensorineural hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type and is typically caused by damage to the delicate hair cells or nerves in the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is often age-related or a result of prolonged exposure to loud noises (aka noise-induced hearing loss). However, sometimes it comes on suddenly — learn more about sudden sensorineural hearing loss here.
Symptoms may include difficulty understanding speech, hearing muffled sounds, or experiencing a ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus). Although there’s no official cure for this type of hearing loss, treatment options for sensorineural hearing loss include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, cochlear implants for severe cases, and auditory training.
Type 3: Mixed hearing loss
The “mix” in this name refers to a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. In these cases, there may be damage or issues in both the outer or middle ear as well as the inner ear or auditory nerve. Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the damage, and you may be offered a variety of treatment options, including medication, surgery, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.
Type 4: Central hearing loss
This final type of hearing loss isn’t actually caused by a problem with your ears. Central hearing loss occurs when there is damage or dysfunction in the central nervous system, specifically the brain’s auditory processing centers. This type of hearing loss can make it challenging to understand speech even when sounds are loud and clear. Symptoms may include difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds or understanding speech in noisy environments. Treatment for central hearing loss often involves auditory rehabilitation, speech therapy, or the use of assistive listening devices.
If you or a friend or family member are experiencing any signs of hearing loss, we recommend consulting with a qualified audiologist or healthcare professional. For more hearing loss information, tips for living with hearing loss, and facts about the different types of hearing loss, keep reading the CapTel blog!
