Hearing Loss Types

 

Once your hearing has been tested, you're hearing healthcare provider will probably categorize your loss by its "hearing loss type". This categorization is based on the location of the cause of the hearing impairment. There are 3 main types of hearing impairment: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.

Conductive hearing loss is typified by defect, dysfunction, or damage of the outer ear, middle ear, or any combination of the two. This includes the visible portions of the outer ear, the external ear canal, the tympanic membrane (ear drum), and the middle ear located behind the tympanic membrane where the small vibratory bones (osseous chain) are located. These bones are commonly called the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus), and stirrup (stapes).

For those with conductive hearing loss, the volume of sound will be a principal issue. Incoming sounds may seem to be dull, muffled, diminished, or softer than normal. Many patients complain of having plugged, full, or stopped up ears.

Sensorineural hearing loss is typified by defect, dysfunction, or damage of the inner ear (cochlea), hearing nerve, or any combination of the two. This type of hearing impairment may also be called: sensory loss, inner ear loss, cochlear hearing impairment, nerve deafness or nerve loss.

Sensorineural hearing impairment is common in the older population and in people at risk for excessive noise exposure. Comprehension and understanding will most often be the principal issue for those suffering with sensorineural loss. Patients commonly complain that others are mumbling, speaking unclear, and/or talking too rapidly. Most patients will say that they can 'hear', but that they do not understand.

Mixed loss of hearing is typified by defect, dysfunction, or damage in a combination of the areas where conductive and sensorineural hearing loss occurs. Therefore, this hearing impairment occurs in not only the outer and/or middle ear but also the inner ear and/or hearing nerve. Loudness and comprehension/understanding will be an issue for those with mixed hearing impairment. Any combination of symptoms of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss can be expected.


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