Not all hearing loss
is the same.
Understand the main types of hearing loss, what can cause them and why identifying the type of hearing loss matters for the right next step.
Hearing Loss
Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can involve the outer or middle ear, the inner ear or hearing nerve, or a combination of these. The type and degree of hearing loss help determine whether medical treatment, monitoring, hearing devices or another rehabilitation pathway may be appropriate.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Occurs when sound is blocked or reduced in the outer or middle ear, for example by wax, fluid, a perforated eardrum or ossicle problems.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Results from damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve and is commonly associated with ageing, noise exposure or genetic factors.
Mixed Hearing Loss
A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, where more than one part of the hearing pathway is affected.
What Can Cause Hearing Loss?
Different causes can affect different parts of the hearing system.
Hearing loss can result from earwax, middle-ear fluid or infection, perforated eardrum, structural problems, ageing, repeated noise exposure, genetics, certain medicines, trauma or conditions affecting the inner ear or hearing nerve. The cause is not always obvious from symptoms alone.
Signs that may suggest
hearing loss
Where Can Hearing Loss Occur?
The location of the problem helps define the type of hearing loss.
1. Outer Ear
Problems such as wax build-up or ear-canal blockage can reduce sound reaching the eardrum.
2. Middle Ear
Fluid, infection, eardrum perforation or ossicle problems can cause conductive hearing loss.
3. Inner Ear
Damage to cochlear hair cells can cause sensorineural hearing loss, often linked to ageing or noise exposure.
4. Auditory Nerve & Brain
Conditions affecting the hearing nerve or central processing pathways may affect how sound is transmitted or understood.
Outer Ear
→
Middle Ear
→
Inner Ear
→
Hearing Nerve
→
Brain
Why the Type of Hearing Loss Matters
Conductive Loss
May sometimes improve with medical or surgical treatment depending on the cause.
Sensorineural Loss
Is usually permanent and may be managed with hearing devices or other rehabilitation.
Mixed Loss
May require a combination of medical and rehabilitative management.
Accurate Assessment
Helps identify the most appropriate pathway rather than treating every hearing difficulty the same way.
Noticed a change in your hearing?
A professional hearing assessment can help identify the type and degree of hearing loss and guide the appropriate next step.