Types of Hearing Loss

The most common type of permanent hearing loss, most often occurring as we age. This type of hearing loss is related to the inner ear or problems with the pathway from the inner ear, up the auditory nerve to your brain. Usually, when one experiences sensorineural hearing loss sounds appear too quiet, voices are muffled, and speech can sound unclear. The most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are natural aging, genetic hearing loss, illness and some chronic diseases, loud noise exposure, and medications that cause hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss

This type of hearing loss occurs when sounds cannot move through the outer and middle ear to get to the inner ear where it is processed. This type of hearing loss can be associated with wax impaction, middle ear fluid, a hole in the eardrum, a foreign body in the ear canal, and congenital or acquired defects of the ear. Sometimes, this type of hearing loss is medically correctable. If your audiologist measures conductive hearing loss, you will most likely be asked to be evaluated by an otolaryngologist (physician who specializes in treatment of disorders pertaining to the ears, nose, and throat).

Conductive hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss occurs when you have both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss. Parts of your hearing loss may be permanent, while other causes of the hearing loss may be medically correctable. Your audiologist and otolaryngologist will work together to help you develop a treatment plan for this type of hearing loss.

Mixed hearing loss

Other Types of Hearing Loss

Syndromic hearing loss affects about 1/3 of all hearing loss and means that your hearing loss is associated with another condition you may have. Mostly, hearing loss is associated with comorbid conditions that affect the eyes, kidneys, and heart. If you have syndromic hearing loss, your audiologist may request that you be evaluated by other providers such as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or cardiologist. Your primary care physician can help facilitate these appointment referrals as well. Non-syndromic hearing loss simply means that your hearing loss cannot be tied to any other conditions. Most commonly, non-syndromic hearing loss is sensorineural in nature (see above).

Prolonged exposure to very loud sounds can be damaging to your hearing. Sometimes, the damage is reversible and only causes a temporary shift in hearing. However, many exposures to temporary shifts can lead to permanent hearing loss. In addition, exposure to some very loud sounds can damage your hearing immediately, with no recovery. Exposure to sounds at or above 85dBA can cause hearing loss. The longer you are exposed and the louder the sound, the more at risk for hearing loss you are.

Average decibel ratings of some familiar sounds:

Normal conversation: 60 dBA
Movie theater: 74-104 dBA
Motorcycles and dirt bikes: 80-110 dBA
Music through headphones at maximum volume, sporting events, and concerts: 94-110 dBA
Sirens: 110-129 dBA
Fireworks show: 140-160 dBA

This type of hearing loss occurs when medications you are taking or environmental toxins damage your hearing and/or balance organs. Common ototoxic medications include high-dose aspirin, Quinine, loop diuretics (Lasix), aminoglycoside antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs. Your audiologist will review your medication list with you and help you navigate understanding your medication needs and potential ototoxicity risk. Aside from medications, environmental toxins such as mercury, lead, and carbon monoxide can cause loss of hearing or balance function as well.

When should I see an audiologist?

I have found myself asking those around me to repeat themselves so I can understand what is being said
I feel like those around me are not speaking clearly
I need speech to be louder in order to understand the talker
I have difficulty hearing when it is noisy, or when I cannot see the speaker’s face
I have to turn the volume on my TV or phone louder than I used to
I feel dizzy, lightheaded, or have trouble with my balance
I hear a ringing or buzzing sound in my ears

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