Types of Hearing Loss

 

There are three types of hearing loss. These include: Sensorineural, Conductive, and Mixed.

Sensorineural:

The most common types of sensorineural hearing loss are caused by aging and loud noises. For you, the most common type would be noise-induced. For example, gun shots, jet engines, vehicles, etc. This is a gradual hearing loss that will result over a long period of time. It is a disturbance in the inner ear. It is not medically or surgically corrected.

Conductive:

This can be caused by excessive ear wax build up over time, ear infections, or hereditary causes. A conductive hearing loss may be temporary. It can be treated by medical treatment or the passage of time. This is an issue within the outer or middle ear. It is important to note, that noise may also damage the ear drum, causing a conductive hearing loss, rather than sensorineural.

Mixed:

A mixed hearing loss is essentially when an individual has both a conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Here is an audiogram visual for the levels of severity corresponding to the different types of hearing loss.