Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss: results from diseases or disorders that limit the transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear. This hearing loss can usually be treated medically or surgically. In some cases, a hearing instrument is also indicated and can provide sufficient hearing improvement.
Sensorineural hearing loss: affects the inner ear or neural pathways. In this case, sound is transmitted through the outer and middle ears, but the inner ear is less efficient in transmitting the sound. This type of loss usually occurs due to damages to the hair cells or to the fine nerve endings inside the cochlea. This leads to reduced perception of sound intensity and quality. This type of hearing loss is usually compensated with a hearing instrument that amplifies sound to overcome the decrease in hearing sensitivity.
Combined hearing loss: is the simultaneous occurrence of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, which is also referred to as mixed hearing loss. Treatment options for this type of impairment include both medical intervention and hearing instruments.
Sensorineural hearing loss: affects the inner ear or neural pathways. In this case, sound is transmitted through the outer and middle ears, but the inner ear is less efficient in transmitting the sound. This type of loss usually occurs due to damages to the hair cells or to the fine nerve endings inside the cochlea. This leads to reduced perception of sound intensity and quality. This type of hearing loss is usually compensated with a hearing instrument that amplifies sound to overcome the decrease in hearing sensitivity.
Combined hearing loss: is the simultaneous occurrence of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, which is also referred to as mixed hearing loss. Treatment options for this type of impairment include both medical intervention and hearing instruments.