A combination of two types of hearing loss
Mixed hearing loss refers to a combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss in one or both ears. This means there is damage to both the outer or middle ear (conductive) and the inner ear or auditory nerve (sensorineural). It can result in difficulty hearing both loud sounds, such as fireworks and police sirens, as well as soft sounds, such as whispering and leaves rustling.
Mixed hearing loss often requires a combination of medical and hearing aid treatment.

What’s causing the problem
Pinpointing the cause of mixed hearing loss can be tricky. After all, you’re dealing with both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss at the same time, each bringing its own set of challenges.
Since mixed hearing involves elements of both, a person may face a combination of these factors. These overlapping effects makes diagnosis and treatment more complex, which is why a hearing test is so important.
Diagnosing mixed hearing loss usually starts with a comprehensive hearing test that will look at each part of the auditory system.
Your Hearing Care Professional will check your ears with a physical exam, use speech recognition tests, or may recommend further evaluation with a specialist like an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT). These steps help identify whether the issue comes from the outer or middle ear, the inner ear, or both, so you can continue with the right treatment plan for your ear health.
Types of hearing loss