Hearing Loss-Common issue, proven solutions
About 1 in 6 adults experience it, especially with age. The good news? Safe and effective treatments can help you hear better. Stay connected to learn more.
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss comes in different forms—conductive, sensorineural, and mixed—each affecting how sound is processed in unique ways. Learn more about which type you may be experiencing and explore solutions that fit your needs.
A hearing evaluation shows which type of hearing loss you have and how much.
What are the main types of hearing loss?
Hearing loss affects millions of people, especially as we age. Understanding the different types can help you get the right treatment. There are three main types of hearing loss, each with different causes and treatment options.
Sensorineural hearing loss
- Most common, especially in older adults
- Caused by damage to the inner ear hair cells or the hearing nerve
- Symptoms: muffled sounds, harder to follow speech in noise
- Usually permanent, but hearing aids help
Conductive hearing loss
- Sound can’t reach the inner ear
- Common causes: earwax, infections, middle-ear bone issues
- Symptoms: sounds seem quieter but clearer
- Often treatable with medical care or surgery
Mixed hearing loss
- Combination of sensorineural + conductive loss
- Treatment: medical care for conductive part, hearing aids for sensorineural part
Degree of hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss degrees
With sensorineural hearing loss, you may first notice trouble hearing soft sounds, such as whispers or birds chirping. As it progresses, everyday conversation becomes harder to follow, and you may need to turn up the TV or ask people to repeat themselves frequently.
Things that can cause sensorineural hearing loss are:
- Natural aging (presbycusis) - the most common cause
- Long-term exposure to loud noises (concerts, machinery, loud music)
- Head injuries or trauma
- Family history of hearing loss
Treatment
Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent; however, using hearing aids is one of the most effective ways to improve hearing and communication, as they amplify sounds and make speech clearer.
Conductive hearing loss degrees
Conductive hearing loss often makes everything sound quieter, like you're wearing earplugs. Even mild conductive hearing loss can make it hard to hear soft sounds, while severe cases can make normal conversation difficult to hear.
Things that can cause conductive hearing loss are:
- Earwax buildup - very common and easily treatable
- Ear infections (outer or middle ear)
- Abnormal bone growth in the ear (otosclerosis)
- Foreign objects stuck in the ear canal
Treatment
Conductive hearing loss can be corrected or improved with medical care such as earwax removal, medication, minor procedures, or hearing aids.
Other Types of Hearing Loss
In addition to sensorineural, conductive, and mixed forms, there are less common types that present with distinct patterns and require specific management approaches.
High or Low Frequency
Loss may occur only at certain pitches. High-frequency loss affects sounds like children’s voices or birds; low-frequency loss affects deeper sounds such as men’s voices or thunder.
Learn more about high-frequency hearing loss
Unilateral vs. Bilateral
Unilateral affects one ear; bilateral affects both. Age-related hearing loss is usually bilateral, though not always equal.
Progressive vs. Sudden
Progressive loss develops over time; sudden loss occurs rapidly and requires urgent medical care.
Acquired or Congenital
Acquired hearing loss develops during your lifetime from aging, noise, or illness. Congenital hearing loss is present from birth.