Hearing Loss Types

Not all hearing loss is the same. Understanding the type of hearing loss you have is an important first step in finding the right treatment. Through a comprehensive hearing evaluation, our audiologists can determine the cause of your hearing difficulties and recommend personalized solutions to help you hear your best.

What are the different types of hearing loss?

The three main types of hearing loss are sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Each type of hearing loss can affect both ears (bilateral), or one ear (unilateral), and varies in severity.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common, happening when the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. Because the delicate cells in the inner ear can’t repair themselves, this type is usually permanent, but it can be managed with hearing aids or, in more severe cases, cochlear implants.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when something blocks sound from moving through the outer or middle ear, such as earwax, fluid from an infection, or a punctured eardrum. Unlike sensorineural loss, conductive hearing loss is often temporary and may be corrected through medical treatment, minor procedures, or surgery, depending on the cause.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Sometimes both forms occur together, leading to mixed hearing loss. In this case, part of the loss may be reversible if the blockage is treated, but the inner ear damage will likely still need to be managed with hearing devices. Knowing which type of hearing loss you have is important, because it helps our audiologists recommend the best treatment plan to help you hear to the best of your abilities.

Interpreting Your Hearing Test Results

After your testing is complete, we’ll show your results on a special chart called an audiogram. An audiogram plots sound volume (decibels) against frequency (pitch), showing which sounds you hear easily and where hearing loss may lie. Lower decibel thresholds indicate better hearing. The quieter a sound you can detect, the better your hearing. Most people within the normal range of hearing can hear sounds quieter than 25 decibels, roughly the volume of a whisper.

Mild Hearing Loss

Adults with hearing loss in the 26 to 40-decibel range are said to have mild hearing loss. Symptoms include difficulty understanding quiet conversations or difficulty hearing speech from across the room.

Moderate Hearing Loss

Hearing loss in the 41 to 55-decibel range is defined as moderate hearing loss. Those with moderate hearing loss have difficulty hearing conversations at normal volume levels, and listening in noisy environments is extremely difficult

Moderately Severe Hearing Loss

If you have hearing loss in the 56 to 70-decibel range, it is considered moderately severe hearing loss. Symptoms include difficulty hearing quiet conversations or ringing telephones.

Severe Hearing Loss

Severe hearing loss is defined as hearing loss that falls between 71 and 90 decibels. With severe hearing loss, you can only hear people who are standing next to you and speaking very loudly.

Profound Hearing Loss

Hearing loss measured at 91 decibels and higher is considered profound hearing loss. These individuals are unable to hear loud speech or the everyday sounds around them.

Take the Next Step

Stop struggling to hear conversations – enjoy the return to hearing health you deserve.

Call 757-279-7363 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Colonial Center for Hearing Audiology today.