Primary Types of Hearing Loss
While there are numerous causes, hearing loss can be classified into four general categories:
Conductive hearing loss
Sound waves are blocked from getting through the outer and middle ear due to earwax infection, fluid or damage. May be treatable or, in some cases, permanent.
Sensorineural hearing loss
Damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve that causes permanent hearing loss. Can be caused by aging, loud noise, medication, genetics or medical conditions like Meniere’s disease or otosclerosis.
Mixed hearing loss
Some people experience a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, with damage to outer or middle ear and the auditory nerve.
Central hearing loss
This type of hearing loss is a dysfunction of the central auditory system, including the auditory nerve and related pathways in the brain. Can be caused by neurological conditions, tumors or stroke.
There are more treatments for hearing loss than ever.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss and related conditions can have a wide range of causes, with symptoms that affect people in various ways and degrees. Click on each condition below for more information and treatment resources.
A typically gradual, progressive decline of hearing abilities over time
A relatively rare condition caused by inner ear damage
Learn the symptoms, causes and treatments
This growing problem is 100% irreversible and 100% preventable
A common type of conductive hearing loss
Rapid hearing loss in one or both ears is a medical emergency
Phantom ringing or buzzing sounds often connected to hearing loss