The three main types of hearing loss are:
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Conductive Hearing Loss: This type occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently travel through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. It can be caused by factors like earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, ear infections, or abnormalities in the ear structure.
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Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This type results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways leading to the brain. Common causes include aging, exposure to loud noises, head trauma, and certain medical conditions. It often affects the clarity of sound and the ability to distinguish between different frequencies.
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Mixed Hearing Loss: This type is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It implies that there is both a problem in the outer or middle ear and in the inner ear or auditory nerve. Mixed hearing loss can result from various factors, including age-related changes alongside ear infections or other conditions affecting the ear.