Conductive Hearing Loss:

 

​Cause: Occurs when sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. This can be caused by blockages (such as earwax buildup), fluid in the ear, infections, damage to the eardrum, or abnormalities in the middle ear bones (ossicles).

    •    Characteristics: Often results in reduced sound volume       but does not usually affect the clarity of speech.

    •    Treatment: Often treatable with medical intervention, such as medication, surgery, or removing blockages.

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Sensorineural Hearing Loss:

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Cause: Caused by damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that carry sound signals to the brain. Common causes include aging (presbycusis), noise exposure, infections, or genetic conditions.

    •    Characteristics: Leads to both a reduction in sound volume and a loss of clarity, making speech difficult to understand, especially in noisy environments.

    •    Treatment: Typically permanent but can be managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants (depending on the severity).

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Mixed Hearing Loss:

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 Cause: A combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, where there is both damage to the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.

    •    Characteristics: Exhibits symptoms of both types of hearing loss.

    •    Treatment: May require a combination of treatments for both conductive and sensorineural issues.​​​