Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Loss
A conductive loss refers to a decrease in sound caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear. Such a loss indicates normal inner ear activity. Possible causes of a conductive loss may be: wax in the ear canal, a perforation in the eardrum or fluid in the middle ear. This type of loss is usually treatable with either medical or surgical intervention.
Sensorineural Loss
A sensorineural loss refers to a problem located in the inner ear or along the nerve pathway between the inner ear and the brain. This type of loss may be caused by aging, infection or other disease, noise exposure, or it may be related to a genetic disorder. Such a loss is usually permanent and not treatable by medical or surgical intervention.
Mixed Loss
A mixed loss refers to a conductive loss and a sensorineural loss occurring at the same time. While the conductive component may be treated, the sensorineural component is permanent.