Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
Hearing loss happens when sound cannot travel through the ear to the brain, either because of a physical blockage or damage to nerves.
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Hearing loss is split into two main types based on which part of your ear is involved. Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves cannot pass through the outer or middle ear—the parts that collect sound and push it toward the inner ear—usually because of something blocking the way.
Sensorineural hearing loss happens deeper inside the inner ear. This occurs when the tiny hair cells in the cochlea—a snail-shaped organ that turns sound vibrations into electrical signals—or the hearing nerve itself are damaged. While conductive issues are often fixable, sensorineural damage is usually permanent because those delicate inner ear structures do not grow back.
Common Symptoms
- Muffled or unclear sounds, as if you are listening through a heavy blanket.
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially when there is background noise.
- Needing to turn the volume on the TV or radio much higher than others do.
- Tinnitus, which is a constant ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ear.
- Feeling like your ear is plugged or full of pressure.