Conductive hearing loss is typically the result of obstructions in the outer or middle ear — perhaps due to fluid, tumors, earwax or even ear formation. This obstruction prevents sound from getting to the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss can often be treated surgically or with medicine.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It occurs when the inner ear nerves and hair cells are damaged — perhaps due to age, noise damage or something else. Sensorineural hearing loss impacts the pathways from your inner ear to your brain. Most times, sensorineural hearing loss cannot be corrected medically or surgically, but can be treated and helped with the use of hearing aids.

Mixed hearing loss is just what it sounds like — a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. As with any medical condition, it’s best to know what you “have” before deciding what to do about it. A consultation with a hearing professional can help determine the type, cause and degree of your hearing loss.

Aging, Noise exposure, Head trauma, Virus or disease, Genetics, Ototoxicity

Things that can cause sensorineural hearing loss are:

• Aging
• Injury
• Excessive noise exposure
• Viral infections (such as measles or mumps)
• Shingles
• Ototoxic drugs (medications that damage hearing)
• Meningitis
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• High fever or elevated body temperature
• Ménière’s disease (a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance)
• Acoustic tumors
• Heredity
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Hypertension