Q3. Is there more than one type of hearing loss?

A3. Yes. There are three types of hearing loss which are:

• Conductive hearing loss
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Mixed hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss is where sound waves are stopped from travelling from the outer ear to the inner ear. This can be caused by a perforated ear drum, middle ear infection (otitis media), ear blockage (excess wax), head cold or an ear injury. Sensorineural hearing loss is a problem with the pathways between the inner ear (cochlea, auditory nerve) and the brain. This impacts upon the volume or tone of the sound and makes it difficult to discern complex sounds.

This can be caused by prolonged exposure to noise (or music), a medical condition such as measles or mumps, ototoxic drugs, for example antibiotics and the ageing process.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the two.

FAQS Index : A guide to Hearing Loss

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FAQs Intro

1. What causes deafness?
2. Why has my hearing gone worse as I have got older?
3. Is there more than one type of hearing loss?
4. Why does my child get lots of ear infections?
5. What is ‘glue ear?’

6. Can listening to an MP3 player affect your hearing?
7. I need a hearing test, what can I expect?
8. What is a cochlear implant?
9. What type of hearing aid will suit me?
10. Will deafness ever be cured?

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