Hearing loss is more common than you might think. In fact, Statistics Canada found that over 38% of Canadian adults aged 20 to 79 have measurable hearing loss.
But not all hearing loss is the same. There are several types, each with unique causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
In this post, our Markham audiologists will break down the different types of hearing loss and discuss when it’s time to seek professional care.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
According to Health Canada, the two most common causes of permanent hearing loss are aging and exposure to loud sounds.
While sometimes extremely loud sounds can cause immediate hearing loss, in most cases, both age-related and noise-induced hearing loss develop gradually over time. This is why many people don’t notice changes right away.
Health Canada also notes that repeated exposure to loud sounds permanently damages the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Because these cells don’t grow back, the effect is cumulative and can compound age-related hearing changes down the road.
Other causes of permanent and temporary hearing loss include:
- Earwax buildup
- Ear infections
- Injury to the ear
- Certain medications
- Genetics
- Meniere’s disease
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Structural abnormalities in the ear
- Rare conditions such as acoustic neuroma
The 3 Main Types of Hearing Loss
When discussing the types of deafness and hearing loss, most hearing professionals in Canada recognize three primary categories:
- Conductive hearing loss
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Mixed hearing loss
1. Conductive Hearing Loss
What is conductive hearing loss?
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound cannot travel efficiently through the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear.
Essentially, sound gets blocked before it reaches your inner ear.
Common causes of conductive hearing loss include:
- Blockages of the ear canal by foreign objects
- Earwax buildup
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Chronic or acute ear infections
- An injured or perforated eardrum
- A disease or injury that damages the middle ear bones
- Structural abnormalities
Symptoms of conductive hearing loss include:
- Muffled hearing in one or both ears
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Ear pain
- Ear drainage
- Ear popping or ringing
- Sudden changes in hearing
- Noticing your voice sounds louder
The good news? Conductive hearing loss is often temporary and may be reversed with professional earwax removal, medication, surgery, or medical treatment for underlying conditions.
If medical treatment isn’t appropriate, hearing aids may also help.
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
What is sensorineural hearing loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of permanent hearing loss.
It occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve.
Common causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Aging (gradual age-related hearing loss is called presbycusis)
- Noise exposure
- Genetics
- Certain medications
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Meniere’s disease
- Acoustic neuroma (a tumor between the ear and the brain that impacts hearing and balance)
Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss include:
- Difficulty understanding speech and following conversations
- Trouble hearing in noisy environments
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Feeling as if others are mumbling
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Unlike conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent. While it usually can’t be reversed, it can often be effectively managed with hearing aids or another type of assistive listening device.
What is the best type of hearing aid for sensorineural hearing loss?
There’s no universal “best” hearing aid for sensorineural hearing loss.
The right hearing aid depends on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, listening environments, and personal preferences.
An audiologist can help you choose the right hearing aid for your needs.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is just what it sounds like: a combination of both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.
For example, someone could have age-related sensorineural hearing loss plus conductive hearing loss due to an ear infection.
In these cases, audiologists often address the conductive component first before exploring long-term hearing solutions.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss vs. Conductive Hearing Loss
Many patients ask about sensorineural hearing loss vs. conductive hearing loss.
Here’s the difference:
Conductive hearing loss:
- involves the outer/middle ear;
- is often temporary; and
- is frequently medically treatable.
Sensorineural hearing loss:
- involves the inner ear/auditory nerve;
- is usually permanent; and
- is typically managed with hearing aids.
A hearing test can determine which type of hearing loss you have.
Unilateral vs. Bilateral Hearing Loss
Terms like unilateral hearing loss and bilateral hearing loss describe where hearing loss occurs, not the type of hearing loss.
Unilateral hearing loss, also called single-sided deafness in severe cases, refers to hearing loss in one ear only, while bilateral hearing loss affects both ears.
Similarly, asymmetrical hearing loss refers to bilateral hearing loss that is significantly more pronounced in one ear.
Other terms, such as sudden hearing loss, describe how hearing loss presents, but, again, not the specific type or underlying cause.
When Should You See an Audiologist?
The Canadian Academy of Audiology recommends visiting an audiologist for a hearing test if:
- You have a hard time understanding what people are saying in noisy places.
- You have to frequently ask others to repeat themselves.
- You find yourself avoiding social situations because you can’t hear clearly.
- You have difficulty pinpointing which direction sounds are coming from.
- You find yourself turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others prefer.
- Family members mention changes in your hearing.
- It seems like people are mumbling.
- You have difficulty hearing familiar sounds like the doorbell or telephone.
- You have a history of loud noise exposure.
- Your ears feel plugged or full.
Note: Sudden hearing loss should always be treated as urgent and evaluated immediately.
How Archer Hearing Centre Can Help
At Archer Hearing Centre, our Markham audiologists can identify exactly what type of hearing loss you’re experiencing and recommend the right treatment plan.
We offer a full range of hearing services, including comprehensive hearing tests for adults, pediatric hearing tests for little ones ages three and up, hearing aid fittings, and earwax removal.
Whether your hearing loss is temporary, permanent, sudden, or gradual, we’re here to help you hear with clarity and confidence.
