Types Of Hearing Loss

Types of Hearing Loss

Essentially, there are two types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss (medically treatable conditions)

With a conductive hearing loss, the inner ear functions normally, but something affects the outer or middle ear, hindering sound from reaching the inner ear. Conductive hearing losses are mild-to-moderate in degree and are usually temporary and treatable. You can simulate a conductive hearing loss by plugging your ears with your fingers. Sounds from the outside are softer while your own voice actually sounds louder than normal.

What are some common causes of conductive hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss (treatable with modern technology)

This is a hearing loss that is concerned with the Cochlea (or organ of hearing). The tiny hair cells which detect sound may not be working properly or be damaged. Sometimes the fibers of the auditory nerve in the cochlea are not transmitting the sounds correctly. This prevents the signals from reaching the brain and so they are not heard.

This type of hearing loss can often benefit from the right technology. There are now a wide array of options available.

What are some common causes of sensorineural hearing loss?

Mixed Hearing Loss

Sometimes a combination of factors occurs which affects both the middle ear and the inner ear (cochlea), resulting in a mixed hearing loss.

Degrees of hearing loss

The table below offers a guide to the different degrees of hearing loss, the decibel level (unit to measure sound) and an example to demonstrate the loudness of these levels. The examples offer an approximate guide only. Outcomes depend on the needs and abilities of each individual child. Your doctor or hearingcare professional can offer more detailed information about your own child.

Degree of hearing loss	Decibel level	Loudness example	Possible challenges and needs
Normal hearing	Up to 20 dB	Rustling leaves, clock ticking	No hearing related problem
Mild hearing loss	20–45 dB	Quiet / whispered speech, clicking fingers	May have difficulty hearing quiet voices. Could benefit from a hearing instrument
Moderate hearing loss	40-60 dB	Quiet / normal speech, radio at a normal level	Should understand normal spoken voice from the front and close Would usually need to try a hearing instrument May require extra help (e.g. FM) / support in school
Moderately severe hearing loss	60–75 dB	Normal / loud speech, doorbell	Conversation must be loud to be heard Should be able to hear normal conversational voice with a hearing instrument Would benefit from extra help (e.g. FM) / favorable seating in school
Severe hearing loss	75–90 dB	Telephone ringing, thunder, baby crying	May hear loud voices if close Would usually need to use a hearing instrument Would benefit from extra help (e.g. FM) / favorable seating in school
Profound hearing loss	90dB or more	Truck, chainsaw	Would need to wear appropriate amplification technology (e.g. hearing instrument, cochlear implant)