Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects millions worldwide, making everyday conversations and connections more challenging. On this page, you’ll learn the signs of hearing loss, its common causes, and the treatment options available to improve your hearing health.

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss happens when your ability to detect or process sounds becomes reduced. It can occur gradually over time or appear suddenly due to injury, illness, or exposure to loud noise. Many people assume hearing loss only affects older adults, but the reality is that it can happen at any age. At Prime Hearing Clinic, we focus on early detection and treatment so you can stay connected to the sounds that matter most.

Main Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve that transmits sound to the brain.

Causes:
Treatment options:
Management:

This type of hearing loss is usually permanent. Treatment focuses on improving communication with:

Not all hearing loss is the same. Knowing the difference is essential to finding the right treatment. At Prime Hearing Clinic, our professionals help you identify your specific type of hearing loss and recommend tailored solutions.

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Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is a condition in which sound can not travel efficiently through the middle or outer ear, disrupting hearing health.

Causes:
Symptoms:

Conductive hearing loss is a condition in which sound can not travel efficiently through the middle or outer ear, disrupting hearing health.

Treatment options:

Our ear specialists in Calgary have suggested some common treatment options for conductive hearing loss, so you know what to expect when you visit our clinic.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning there is damage in both the outer and middle ear and the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Causes:
Treatment options:

Understand the Levels of Hearing Loss Know And Where You Stand

Your hearing ability is measured in decibels (dB)—the louder a sound must be for you to hear it, the more significant the loss.

Normal Hearing (≤25 dB)

No noticeable difficulty in hearing. You can perceive most sounds in everyday life without assistance.

Mild Hearing Loss (26–40 dB)

Soft speech, whispers, or background conversations may be hard to catch—especially in noisy environments.

Moderate Hearing Loss (41–60 dB)

You often ask people to repeat themselves. Following group conversations or hearing in public places is challenging.

Severe Hearing Loss (61–80 dB)

People must speak loudly or directly face you for you to understand. Standard phone calls become difficult.

Profound Hearing Loss (≥81 dB)

You rely heavily on lip reading, gestures, or assistive hearing devices. Communication is difficult in most settings without support.

Feel Free Asked Any Questions

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type, especially age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). It affects millions of people worldwide.

Yes. Conductive hearing loss is often temporary if caused by conditions like earwax buildup, fluid in the ear, or infections. Once treated, hearing usually returns to normal.

Because it involves damage to the inner ear’s hair cells or the auditory nerve, which cannot naturally repair themselves. Treatment focuses on hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Yes. If the conductive part is not treated (e.g., recurring infections) and the sensorineural part progresses naturally with age, mixed hearing loss can worsen.

Yes. Conductive hearing loss often makes sounds seem muffled or blocked, while sensorineural hearing loss affects clarity, making speech sound distorted.

It depends. Conductive hearing loss often affects one ear (like with an infection), while sensorineural hearing loss often affects both ears gradually.

No. Surgery can often help with conductive hearing loss (e.g., repairing a perforated eardrum), but sensorineural loss usually requires hearing technology instead.

Through hearing tests such as an audiogram and tympanometry, which measure how sound moves through the ear and how well the inner ear and nerves respond.