What are the different types of hearing loss?
Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age, although getting older can lead to specific age-related issues. Here we take a look at some of the different forms of hearing loss and what differentiates them.
Main Types of Hearing Loss
There are many types of hearing loss, including sudden, age-related and noise-induced hearing loss, as well as genetic deafness and hearing loss, acoustic neuroma, and hearing loss associated with medications known as ototoxic drugs.
Deafness and hearing loss occur when sound signals fail to reach the brain as a result of problems within the hearing system. These issues can be broadly categorised into the following two types, although it is also possible to have mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of both forms.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
A Cheltenham audiologist or hearing specialist in whatever area of the country you are may diagnose you with sensorineural hearing loss. This happens when the hair cells within the inner ear are damaged or there is damage to your hearing nerve. Both may also cause issues at the same time.
This type of loss is permanent, although hearing aids can help. It reduces sound quality and causes difficulty in hearing quieter sounds. You can read more about hearing loss on the NHS website at
Conductive Hearing Loss
If you visit a Cheltenham audiologist at a specialist hearing centre such as https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/cheltenham, you might possibly be diagnosed with conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is caused by ear problems such as an infection or ear wax that prevents sounds from passing to the cochlea, which is the hearing organ.
If you suffer from conductive hearing loss, you may experience a quieting and muffling of sounds. This type of hearing loss may be permanent or temporary, depending on what is causing the issue.
Sometimes, ear wax removal such as microsuction can reduce or eradicate the symptoms of conductive hearing loss, while other types of hearing loss may require treatments such as surgery, hearing aids, cochlea prosthesis or medication.
