Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect people in different ways depending on the cause and which part of the ear is involved. Understanding the type of hearing loss you have is the first step toward finding the right treatment and improving your quality of life.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot properly travel through the outer or middle ear. This may be caused by earwax buildup, fluid, infections, or other blockages.
Common signs may include:
✔ Muffled sounds
✔ Difficulty hearing soft voices
✔ Feeling like your ears are “plugged”
In many cases, conductive hearing loss can improve with medical treatment or professional care.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss and happens when the inner ear or auditory nerve becomes damaged.
Symptoms often include:
✔ Trouble understanding conversations
✔ Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
✔ Speech sounding unclear or distorted
This type of hearing loss is usually permanent, but hearing aids and advanced hearing technology can help improve communication and daily hearing experiences.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This means there may be damage in both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear.
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, the team at Coastal Hearing Care is here to help with personalized care.
