The Wide Variety of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect people in many different ways. The most common form of age-related hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss. Another main type is conductive hearing loss, while mixed hearing loss includes characteristics of both.
The degree of hearing loss also covers a broad spectrum, ranging from mild to profound. Hearing loss may develop suddenly or gradually, affect one ear or both ears, remain stable, or fluctuate over time.
The Three Main Types of Hearing Loss
The main types of hearing loss are identified by the part of the hearing system that is affected.
Inner ear or auditory nerve
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This damage affects the ear's ability to convert sound into electrical signals and transmit those signals to the brain.
This type of hearing loss is generally considered permanent. Although the underlying damage usually cannot be reversed, hearing aids and other hearing care options can help many people hear and communicate more effectively.
Outer or middle ear
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is caused by damage, obstruction, or another problem affecting the outer or middle ear. These problems prevent sound energy from traveling efficiently through the ear to the inner ear.
Unlike sensorineural hearing loss, some causes of conductive hearing loss can be treated medically or surgically. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause.
A combination of both types
Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss includes both sensorineural and conductive components. This means that a person has a problem affecting the outer or middle ear as well as damage involving the inner ear or auditory nerve.
Treatment and hearing support depend on the causes and severity of both components.
Hearing Loss Can Range from Mild to Profound
The degree of hearing loss is commonly described using hearing level measurements in decibels hearing level, abbreviated as dB HL. The classifications below provide a general overview of how different degrees of hearing loss may affect everyday listening.
Hearing classifications may vary slightly between professional organizations, regions, and clinical guidelines.
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Mild Hearing Loss
26 to 40 dB HLWith mild hearing loss, soft sounds such as a bird chirping or a dripping tap may be difficult to hear. High-frequency speech sounds can also be missed, particularly in environments with background noise.
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Moderate Hearing Loss
41 to 55 dB HLSounds such as a telephone ringing or the quiet sound of a fan may go unnoticed. Group conversations can become more difficult and tiring to follow, especially in noisy environments.
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Moderate-to-Severe Hearing Loss
56 to 70 dB HLNormal conversation can be difficult to hear, even in quiet surroundings. Without appropriate hearing support, a person may struggle to follow speech in many everyday situations.
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Severe Hearing Loss
71 to 90 dB HLMusic, traffic, and environmental sounds may seem muffled. Following conversations can require significant concentration, and even one-to-one speech may sound unclear or indistinct.
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Profound Hearing Loss
91 to 100 dB HLA person with profound hearing loss may be unable to hear ordinary speech and may only detect very loud sounds.
Other Types and Patterns of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can also be described according to when it begins, how quickly it develops, whether it is permanent, and whether it affects one or both ears.
When it begins
- Congenital Hearing Loss
- Congenital hearing loss is present at birth. It may be caused by genetic factors, conditions during pregnancy, complications at birth, or other medical factors.
- Acquired Hearing Loss
- Acquired hearing loss develops after birth and may occur at any stage of life. Aging, noise exposure, illness, trauma, medication, and other health factors can contribute to acquired hearing loss.
- Pre-Lingual Hearing Loss
- Pre-lingual hearing loss occurs before a child has learned spoken language. Early identification and appropriate hearing support can be particularly important for communication and language development.
- Post-Lingual Hearing Loss
- Post-lingual hearing loss occurs after a person has developed spoken language.
How it develops
- Sudden Hearing Loss
- Sudden hearing loss develops rapidly, sometimes within a few hours or over several days. Sudden changes in hearing should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.
- Progressive Hearing Loss
- Progressive hearing loss develops gradually and becomes more noticeable over time. Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common example.
- Fluctuating Hearing Loss
- Fluctuating hearing loss becomes better or worse over a relatively short period of time.
- Stable Hearing Loss
- Stable hearing loss remains broadly unchanged over time.
Seek prompt medical advice if you experience a sudden or unexplained change in your hearing.
How long it lasts
- Temporary Hearing Loss
- Temporary hearing loss may improve when the underlying cause is treated or resolves. Possible causes can include earwax blockage, middle-ear fluid, infection, or short-term exposure to loud sound.
- Permanent Hearing Loss
- Permanent hearing loss does not fully resolve. Hearing aids, assistive listening technology, communication strategies, and other forms of hearing care may help a person manage its effects.
Which ears are affected
- Unilateral Hearing Loss
- Unilateral hearing loss affects one ear.
- Bilateral Hearing Loss
- Bilateral hearing loss affects both ears and is more common than unilateral hearing loss.
- Symmetrical Hearing Loss
- Symmetrical hearing loss means that both ears have a similar degree and pattern of hearing loss.
- Asymmetrical Hearing Loss
- Asymmetrical hearing loss means that the degree or pattern of hearing loss differs between the two ears.
Hearing Loss Is Different for Everyone
Two people with the same measured degree of hearing loss may experience it differently. The effect of hearing loss can depend on the frequencies affected, whether one or both ears are involved, how quickly the hearing changed, the listening environment, and the person's communication needs.
A comprehensive hearing assessment can identify the type, degree, and pattern of hearing loss and help determine which hearing care options may be appropriate.
This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare or hearing care professional if you are concerned about your hearing.
