Types of Hearing Loss 

at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN

Hearing loss affects an estimated 48 million Americans. There are many possible causes of hearing loss, and these causes translate into different types. Understanding the cause and type of hearing loss is essential in developing an effective treatment plan.



At Allergy & ENT Associates, we provide comprehensive evaluations to help determine the type and severity of hearing loss and guide appropriate treatment options.

What Hearing Loss Can Affect

Hearing loss can interfere with daily communication and quality of life. Depending on the type and severity, it may impact:


  • Speech understanding



  • Sound clarity and volume


  • Ability to localize where sounds are coming from


  • Social interaction and focus


  • Overall safety and awareness


Identifying the type of hearing loss is a critical first step toward treatment.

The Three Main Types of Hearing Loss

There are three primary types of hearing loss:

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there are problems in the outer ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear. It may result from a variety of causes, including:


 

  • Structural deformities


  • Fluid in the middle ear


  • Ear infections


  • Allergies


  • Impacted earwax


  • Perforated eardrum


  • Foreign objects in the ear


  • Otosclerosis


  • Benign tumors


Conductive hearing loss may often be correctable with medication or surgery, depending on the cause.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss involves problems with the inner ear. Causes may include:


  • Aging


  • Noise exposure


  • Trauma


  • Viruses


  • Autoimmune disorders


  • Otosclerosis


  • Ménière’s disease


  • Inner ear malformations



  • Tumors


Hearing aids are commonly used to help manage the effects of sensorineural hearing loss.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning it affects both the inner ear and the middle or outer ear.


Treatment depends on the cause and may involve a combination of:


  • Medication



  • Surgery


  • Hearing aids

Unilateral vs. Bilateral Hearing Loss

In addition to identifying the type of hearing loss, it is important to understand whether hearing loss affects one ear or both. Hearing loss is also categorized as:


  • Unilateral (monaural) hearing loss – affects one ear only


  • Bilateral (binaural) hearing loss – affects both ears


Patients with unilateral hearing loss have normal hearing in one ear and impaired hearing in the other. This can lead to difficulty hearing on one side and trouble localizing sound.


Unilateral hearing loss is often associated with conductive causes. Bilateral hearing loss affects both ears and is most often treated with hearing aids (two are usually more effective than one) or cochlear implants.

Hearing Exam vs. Hearing (Audiology) Evaluation

The difference between a hearing exam and a hearing (audiology) evaluation is subtle. A hearing exam refers to a single test that makes up part of the overall evaluation. There are many different types of hearing exams that may be included in a complete audiology evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the most common type of hearing loss?

    Sensorineural hearing loss is very common, especially age-related hearing loss and hearing loss related to noise exposure.

  • Can conductive hearing loss be reversed?

    In many cases, yes. Conductive hearing loss may be treatable with medication or correctable with surgery depending on the cause.

  • When should I schedule a hearing evaluation?

    If you notice difficulty hearing conversations, ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, or trouble understanding speech, a hearing evaluation is recommended.

Call Allergy & ENT Associates at (615) 889-8802 for more information or to schedule an appointment.