Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss

TLDRThere are two main types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss affects the external and middle ear, while sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear and nerve. Other factors such as organic and non-organic causes can also contribute to hearing loss.

Key insights

👂Conductive hearing loss is related to the external and middle ear, while sensorineural hearing loss is related to the inner ear and nerve.

🎵Organic causes of hearing loss include anatomical and physiological issues, while non-organic causes are related to functional hearing loss.

👶Congenital factors and acquired factors such as age, ototoxic drugs, and trauma can contribute to hearing loss.

💡Bone conduction is a test used to determine the type of hearing loss. If bone conduction is impaired, it indicates sensorineural hearing loss.

🔎Mixed hearing loss, which combines conductive and sensorineural components, can occur in certain cases, such as otosclerosis.

Q&A

What are the two main types of hearing loss?

—The two main types of hearing loss are conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

What causes conductive hearing loss?

—Conductive hearing loss can be caused by factors such as earwax buildup, foreign objects in the ear, perforated eardrum, or fluid in the middle ear.

What causes sensorineural hearing loss?

—Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by factors such as age-related degeneration, exposure to loud noises, ototoxic drugs, or certain medical conditions.

What is the difference between organic and non-organic causes of hearing loss?

—Organic causes of hearing loss are related to anatomical or physiological issues, while non-organic causes are more functional in nature.

What is mixed hearing loss?

—Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It can occur in certain conditions such as otosclerosis.

Timestamped Summary

00:01There are two main types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural.

00:25Conductive hearing loss is related to the external and middle ear, while sensorineural hearing loss is related to the inner ear and nerve.

02:58Organic causes of hearing loss include anatomical and physiological issues, while non-organic causes are related to functional hearing loss.

06:08Congenital factors and acquired factors such as age, ototoxic drugs, and trauma can contribute to hearing loss.

08:53Bone conduction is a test used to determine the type of hearing loss. If bone conduction is impaired, it indicates sensorineural hearing loss.

09:35Mixed hearing loss, which combines conductive and sensorineural components, can occur in certain cases, such as otosclerosis.

Browse more