Types of Hearing Loss

At Medical Hearing Associates, our team of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists is dedicated to helping you understand hearing loss and guiding you toward the best solutions for your needs. Identifying the type of hearing loss is the first step toward effective treatment.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot reach the inner ear due to a problem in the outer or middle ear.
Common causes include:

  • Earwax buildup

  • Fluid in the middle ear (often from infections)

  • Damage to the eardrum

  • Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear

This type of hearing loss is often temporary and may be treatable with medical or surgical intervention.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve that carries sound to the brain.
Common causes include:

  • Aging (presbycusis)

  • Prolonged noise exposure

  • Certain medications that affect hearing

  • Illness or viral infections

  • Genetic factors

This is the most common type of hearing loss and is usually permanent. Treatment often involves hearing aids or other advanced technology.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural loss. For example, someone may have age-related changes in the inner ear along with a conductive issue like earwax buildup. Treatment typically involves addressing the conductive component first, followed by amplification if needed.

When to Have Your Hearing Checked

It’s important to schedule a professional hearing evaluation if you notice:

  • Difficulty following conversations in noisy places

  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

  • Muffled or distorted sounds

  • Frequently turning up the volume on the TV, phone, or radio

Our Commitment to You

At Medical Hearing Associates, both our Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists work together to provide comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and advanced technology options. Our team is committed to compassionate care that supports your unique hearing needs.

Don’t Let Hearing Loss Hold You Back

Better hearing leads to a better quality of life. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Shedule your Diagnostic Hearing Health Evaluation today