Types & Classification of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be defined as a partial or total inability to Hear Environmental or Speech Sounds.
Hearing loss may be present at birth (Congenital) or Acquired at any time afterwards.
Hearing loss may occur in one (Monoaural) or both (Bilateral) Ears.
Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent.
Hearing loss related to Age usually affects both ears and is due to cochlear hair cell loss.
Deaf people usually have little to no residual hearing.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be categorised according to which part of the auditory system is damaged. There are 3 basic types of hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound does not travel effectively through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the ossicles of the middle ear.

Mixed hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in both the conductive pathway (outer and middle ear) and the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve.

Classification of Hearing Loss

Degree of Hearing Loss

In children, hearing problems can affect the ability to learn spoken language, and in adults it can create difficulties with social interaction and at work