Types of Hearing Loss – Causes, Symptoms & Management

Hearing is an essential sense that connects us to people, nature, and everyday experiences. However, many people silently suffer from hearing loss without even realizing its onset. Recognizing the type of hearing loss one is dealing with is the first step toward better management and improved quality of life.

Hearing loss can be broadly classified into three main types:

• Conductive Hearing Loss
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss
• Mixed Hearing Loss

Each type has distinct causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

This type occurs when sound waves are not efficiently transmitted through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear.

Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss:

• Earwax buildup (cerumen impaction)
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Perforated eardrum
• Fluid in the middle ear
• Malformation of ear structures
• Foreign objects in the ear

Symptoms:

• Muffled hearing
• A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
• Sudden or fluctuating hearing loss
• Better hearing in noisy environments compared to quiet settings

Treatment Options:

• Removal of earwax or foreign objects
• Medications for infections
• Surgery for structural problems or chronic issues

This type of hearing loss is often reversible, especially if the underlying condition is addressed early.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common form and occurs due to damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve.

Common Causes:

• Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis)
• Prolonged exposure to loud noise
• Head trauma
• Genetic predisposition
• Certain medications (ototoxic drugs)
• Viral infections such as measles or mumps

Symptoms:

• Gradual hearing decline
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Inability to hear high-pitched sounds

Treatment and Management:

• Hearing aids
• Cochlear implants in severe cases
• Auditory training and therapy

SNHL is typically permanent but can be managed effectively with proper interventions.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It means that damage exists in both the outer or middle ear and in the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Possible Causes:

• Chronic ear infections leading to structural damage and nerve deterioration
• Injury that impacts multiple parts of the ear
• Long-term untreated ear diseases

Symptoms:

• Combination of symptoms seen in both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
• Hearing seems “distant” or “layered”
• Worsening of hearing over time

Treatment Options:

• Medical or surgical treatment for the conductive component
• Hearing aids or implants for the sensorineural component

Treatment plans for mixed hearing loss are usually customized after comprehensive hearing tests.

Comparative Overview

When to See a Specialist

If you or a loved one experience the following, it’s time to consult an ENT or audiologist:

• Difficulty hearing conversations
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Turning up the volume excessively
• A sense of imbalance or dizziness
• Sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears

Understanding the type of hearing loss is the first step to restoring one’s connection with the world. Early diagnosis and the right combination of modern treatment and holistic care can make a significant difference.