Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages. According to the World Health Organization, 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss globally, and over 430 million people experience disabling hearing loss, a number expected to grow as the population ages. But “hearing loss” isn’t a monolith. There are different types, causes, and degrees of hearing loss, each with unique implications for treatment and communication. Understanding these distinctions can empower individuals and families to seek appropriate care and support.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot effectively travel through the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear. Essentially, something “blocks” or reduces the transmission of sound. Symptoms include hearing muffled or softer sounds, a sensation of fullness in the ear, and temporary hearing fluctuation. 

Common causes of conductive hearing loss include:

• Earwax buildup

• Ear infections

• Fluid in the middle ear

• Perforated eardrum

• Otosclerosis (stiffening of the middle ear bones)

Conductive hearing loss is often temporary or reversible. Treatments may include medication for infections, surgical procedures, or hearing aids that amplify sound.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that send sound signals to the brain. This is the most common form of permanent hearing loss. Sound familiar? That’s because much of our work at RestorEar deals with protecting the cochlea—in other words, preventing SNHL.

Symptoms of SNHL include difficulty understanding speech, especially in background noise, hearing distorted or unclear sound, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Common causes of SNHL include:

• Aging

• Noise exposure (noise-induced hearing loss, NIHL)

• Viral infections like measles, mumps, or cytomegalovirus

• Head trauma

• Ototoxic medications (certain chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics)

• Genetic factors

While sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent, it can often be managed with hearing aids for mild-to-moderate cases, cochlear implants for severe or profound loss, and auditory rehabilitation and communication strategies. That being said, protection is key, so use ear protection and take steps to support your hearing after exposure. 

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning there is damage to both the outer/middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve. For example, a person may have age-related sensorineural loss and also develop fluid buildup in the middle ear from an infection.

Treatment typically targets the conductive component first (such as removing wax or treating infection), followed by long-term management of the sensorineural portion using hearing aids or implants.

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)

In ANSD, sounds enter the inner ear normally, but the signals don’t transmit properly to the brain due to nerve or synaptic dysfunction. As a result, sounds may seem “out of sync” or distorted. Other symptoms include difficulty with speech comprehension and hearing fluctuation.

Causes of ANSD include:

• Genetic factors

• Premature birth or low birth weight

• Jaundice in newborns

• Neurological conditions affecting the auditory nerve

Options for treatment of ANSD vary and may include cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, or alternative communication methods like speechreading or sign language, depending on severity.

Deafness and Cultural Identity

“Deafness” can describe profound hearing loss, but it can also represent a cultural identity. Members of the Deaf community often use sign languages (like American Sign Language, ASL) and share a distinct linguistic and cultural heritage.

Understanding this distinction—between the medical model of deafness and the cultural-linguistic identity of being Deaf—is essential for providing respectful and inclusive care.

Hearing loss comes in many forms, and no two experiences are alike. Whether temporary or permanent, mild or profound, early identification and intervention make a critical difference in communication, safety, and quality of life.

If you notice hearing changes in you or a loved one, schedule a professional hearing evaluation. Hearing health is an integral part of overall well-being, and support is available for every type and degree of hearing loss.

For more hearing health information, subscribe to the RestorEar newsletter.