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Types of Hearing Loss

Types of Hearing Loss:

The type of hearing loss can be categorized by which area of the auditory system is damaged.  There are three major categories, conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss.

Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when the sound is not sufficiently conducted through the outer ear, including the external ear canal, through the ear drum and middle ear space.

Conductive hearing loss can occur for a number of reasons, including but not limited to the following:

Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear, including the hearing organ (cochlea) or the nerves that connect the cochlea to the brain.  This type of hearing loss is typically permanent.


Sensorineural hearing loss can occur for a number of reasons, including but not limited to the following:


Mixed Hearing Loss: A mixed hearing loss occurs when there are conductive and sensorineural components to the hearing loss, indicating possible damage to the outer and middle ear.

Tinnitus: Tinnitus is a roaring, swooshing, ringing or other type of noise in the ears.  It can be constant or intermittent.  It may be in one or both ears.  Tinnitus is not a disease in and of itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. 

There are many causes of tinnitus, including but not limited to the following:

Please contact our office should you have concerns regarding your hearing ability, tinnitus or any other symptoms related to your hearing or ears.