Types of Hearing Loss

There are basically five types of hearing loss as a result of noise-induced exposure.

1. Conductive—It occurs in the outer and middle ear. The loss of “loudness” only occurs. Conductive hearing loss can occur as a result of built-up ear wax, physical obstruction of the Eustachian tube, or a perforation of the tympanic membrane.
2. Sensorineural—It occurs in the inner ear. As you recall, the inner ear contains the organ of Corti, where the “hair cells” are located. Damage to these organs is primarily irreversible. Damage as a result of hazardous or excessive noise exposure tends to occur first at the higher frequencies.
3. Mixed—Hearing loss can occur as a combination of both conductive and sensorineural.
4. Central nervous system (CNS)—Hearing loss related to the CNS occurs between the inner ear and the brain and may have many causes not related to noise exposure. AND
5. Psychogenic—It occurs in the mind. Psychogenic hearing loss may occur as a result of some type of emotional trauma.