Types of Hearing Loss: A Comprehensive Guide
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss occurs when someone loses the ability to effectively detect or process sound. It can:
- Range from mild to profound
- Impact one (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral)
- Affect the ability to hear certain frequencies, such as higher pitches (think women’s or children’s voices), including consonants like s, h, f
- Make it harder to understand speech or distinguish sounds or sound location
- Lead to the complete inability to hear or comprehend.
While it’s often associated with older adults, hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including genetics, infections, certain medications, and even environmental conditions. Hearing loss due to aging is usually very gradual over a long period of time, making it hard to notice right away, while sudden hearing loss happens immediately from injury, illness, or loud-noise exposure.
Regardless of its onset or cause, hearing loss can significantly impact daily communication, mental health, and quality of life, making it essential to recognize early signs and seek appropriate care.
An Overview of the Various Types of Hearing Loss
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
Mixed Hearing Loss
Other Types of Hearing Loss
How to Identify Your Type of Hearing Loss
If someone experiences hearing loss, whether it’s sudden or gradual, the first and most important step is to book a hearing evaluation with a hearing specialist to ensure an accurate diagnosis. They’ll ask questions about hearing ability, symptoms, and overall health and complete one or more of the following tests or exams:
- Physical examination: A hearing care professional will inspect your ears for signs of infection, blockages, or abnormalities.
- Hearing tests: The hearing care professional will administer a series of tests to measure your ability to hear different sounds at various pitches and volumes.
- Imaging tests: In some cases, an MRI or CT scan can be ordered by an ear, nose, throat (ENT) doctor or other medical provider to get a detailed view of the middle and inner ear and other structures.
Protect Your Hearing for Life
Regardless of whether someone is 20 or 70 years old, taking steps to protect hearing health is one of the best things to do for long-term well-being. Once someone has permanent inner ear damage and loses their hearing, they can’t get it back. Hearing aids for specific hearing loss types can help improve hearing ability, but they can’t repair the inner ear.
While some types of hearing loss are unavoidable, there are things people can do to take control of their hearing health:
Avoid Loud Noises
Protect ears from loud sounds and environments, such as concerts, firearms, and power tools, by wearing earplugs or earmuffs.Turn Down the Volume
Lower the volume on TVs, headphones, and speakers at home and in the car.Get Regular Checkups
For those at risk for hearing loss (e.g., older adults or people often exposed to loud noise), regular checkups every 1-2 years can help detect problems early when easier to treat.Wear Hearing Aids (If Suggested)
If hearing aids have been suggested or prescribed, wearing them can help people stay social and in the conversation, and protect the hearing that still remains.
Hearing loss is a condition that affects many people, and it can have a big impact on communication and quality of life. By understanding the different types of hearing loss — sensorineural, conductive, and mixed — individuals can better recognize the signs, seek appropriate treatment, and take steps to protect their hearing.
If you suspect you’re experiencing hearing loss, schedule a hearing test today and take the first step toward preserving your hearing and quality of life.
Remember, hearing loss does not have to mean a loss of connection with the world. With the right support and treatment, people with hearing loss can continue to lead full and fulfilling lives.
*UNC School of Medicine: Understanding Hearing loss: med.unc.edu/healthsciences/sphs/hcc/patient-resources/hearing-loss/
