TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
Conductive Loss
A conductive loss refers to a decrease in sound caused by a problem in the
outer or middle ear. Such a loss indicates normal inner ear activity. Possible causes of a
conductive loss may be: wax in the ear canal, a perforation in the eardrum, or fluid in
the middle ear. This type of loss is usually treatable with either medical or surgical
intervention.
Example of a conductive loss audiogram:
Sensorineural Loss
A sensorineural loss refers to a problem located in the inner ear or along
the nerve pathway between the inner ear and the brain. This type of loss may be caused by
aging, infection or other disease, noise exposure, or it may be related to a genetic
disorder. Such a loss is usually permanent and not treatable by medical or surgical
intervention.
Example of a sensorineural loss audiogram:
Mixed Loss
A mixed loss refers to a conductive loss and a sensorineural loss occurring
at the same time. While the conductive component may be treated, the sensorineural
component is permanent.
Example of a mixed loss audiogram:
Degrees of Hearing Loss
Degrees of hearing loss audiogram adapted from J.G. Clark (1981). Uses and
abuses of hearing loss classification. ASHA, 23, 493-500.
Hearing Loss Simulations
Click on the following audiograms to hear an example of speech as it may
sound to a person with the given configuration of hearing loss.
Full
Bandwidth
High Pass,
500 Hz
"Hair Cells and Hearing Aids"
C.I. Berlin, Ph.D., Editor
(Singular Publishing Group 1995)
Demonstrations played during 1994 Kresge "Hair Cell-a-bration"
Selections: Mead C. Killion.
High Pass, 2000, Hz
Low Pass, 500 Hz
Low Pass, 2000 Hz