Understanding Hearing Loss: Causes, Types and What to Do

Your ear is made up of three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Each plays a role in how you hear, and depending on where a problem occurs, different types of hearing loss can develop.

Let’s break them down:

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

What it is:
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound can’t travel efficiently through the outer or middle ear. As a result, things may sound soft or muffled.

Common causes include:

• Fluid in the middle ear

• Ear infections

• Earwax buildup

• Swimmer’s ear (an ear canal infection)

• Problems with the tiny bones in the ear (ossicles)

• Allergies or sinus issues

Good news:
This type of hearing loss is often temporary and can usually be treated with medication or other medical procedures.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

What it is:
This type of hearing loss occurs when there’s damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways that connect the ear to the brain. Even when sounds are loud enough, they may still seem unclear.

Common causes include:

• Aging

• Noise exposure

• Illnesses like meningitis

• Certain medications (e.g., chemotherapy or high-dose antibiotics)

• A head injury

• Problems with how the inner ear formed before birth

Important to know:
Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent. While there’s no cure, hearing aids or cochlear implants can help improve how you hear.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

What it is:
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It typically starts with permanent inner ear damage (sensorineural) and is made worse by a temporary issue in the outer or middle ear (conductive).

The upside:
Once the conductive part is treated, your hearing may improve, returning to the baseline sensorineural level.

Other Terms You Might Hear

Here are some other helpful terms you may come across when learning about hearing loss:

• Bilateral hearing loss – Loss in both ears

• Unilateral hearing loss – Loss in just one ear

• Symmetrical hearing loss – Both ears are affected equally

• Asymmetrical hearing loss – One ear hears noticeably better than the other

• Progressive hearing loss – Hearing worsens gradually over time

• Sudden hearing loss – Hearing drops quickly; see a doctor immediately

• Stable hearing loss – Hearing stays the same over time

• Fluctuating hearing loss – Hearing varies, sometimes getting better or worse

Final Thoughts

Hearing loss is more common than many people realize, and it affects individuals of all ages. Understanding the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing is the first step in finding the right treatment. If you notice any changes in your hearing—sudden or gradual—it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider or audiologist.