Types of Hearing Loss: Sensorineural, Conductive & Mixed
- Hearing Solutions
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 4
There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed. Each has different causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Understanding which type you have is critical for choosing the right treatment — whether that is medical intervention, hearing aids, or a combination. Read more: How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid Based on Hearing Loss?
Last Updated: March 2026
The three main types of hearing loss are sensorineural (inner ear/nerve damage), conductive (outer/middle ear blockage), and mixed (combination of both). Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi provides diagnosis and treatment for all types.
Expert hearing diagnosis at Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The Three Types of Hearing Loss
1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)
The most common type — accounts for approximately 90% of all hearing loss. Read more: Hearing Loss from Medication (Ototoxic Drugs)
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve are damaged. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate.
Common Causes:
Aging (presbycusis) — gradual decline after age 50-60
Noise exposure — prolonged loud sound damages hair cells
Genetics — inherited hearing loss conditions
Viral infections — measles, mumps, meningitis
Ototoxic medications — certain antibiotics, chemotherapy
Head trauma or acoustic trauma
Meniere's disease
Treatment: Hearing aids are the primary treatment. Signia hearing aids from Rs.90,000 effectively manage sensorineural hearing loss by amplifying and processing sound to compensate for damaged hair cells.
2. Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear bones to reach the inner ear.
Common Causes:
Earwax (cerumen) buildup blocking the ear canal
Middle ear infections (otitis media) — very common in Pakistani children
Fluid in the middle ear (effusion)
Perforated (torn) eardrum
Otosclerosis — abnormal bone growth in the middle ear
Foreign object in the ear canal
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Congenital ear canal abnormalities
Treatment: Often medically or surgically treatable. Earwax removal, antibiotics for infections, and surgical repair of structural problems can restore hearing. If medical treatment is insufficient, hearing aids may be used.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural AND conductive hearing loss in the same ear. For example, a patient may have age-related inner ear damage (sensorineural) combined with an ear infection (conductive).
Treatment: The conductive component is treated medically first. The remaining sensorineural component is then managed with hearing aids.
How to Determine Your Type of Hearing Loss
At Professional Hearing Solutions, we use multiple tests to determine your hearing loss type:
Test | What It Reveals |
Pure Tone Audiometry (Air + Bone) | Differentiates sensorineural from conductive by testing hearing through air AND bone |
Tympanometry | Assesses middle ear function — abnormal results suggest conductive component |
Speech Audiometry | Measures speech understanding — helps quantify the impact |
Otoscopy | Visual examination for earwax, infection, or eardrum perforation |
Comparison: Sensorineural vs Conductive vs Mixed
Feature | Sensorineural | Conductive | Mixed |
Location | Inner ear/nerve | Outer/middle ear | Both |
Frequency | 90% of cases | ~10% of cases | Variable |
Reversible? | No (permanent) | Often yes | Partially |
Primary Treatment | Hearing aids | Medical/surgical | Combined |
Common in Pakistan | Very common (elderly) | Very common (children) | Moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which type of hearing loss is most common?
Sensorineural hearing loss accounts for about 90% of all hearing loss cases. It is most commonly caused by aging and noise exposure.
Q2: Can conductive hearing loss become permanent?
If left untreated for a long time, some conductive conditions (like chronic otitis media) can lead to permanent damage. Early treatment is important.
Q3: Do I need a hearing aid for conductive hearing loss?
Not always. If the conductive cause can be treated medically (earwax removal, antibiotics), hearing may be restored. Hearing aids are used when medical treatment is insufficient.
Q4: Can I have both types at the same time?
Yes. This is called mixed hearing loss. It is common in elderly patients who have age-related inner ear damage plus a middle ear condition.
Q5: How do I find out my type?
A comprehensive hearing assessment at Professional Hearing Solutions will determine your hearing loss type. Call 0332-5014111.
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Note: Prices may vary slightly due to market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and inflation. Contact Professional Hearing Solutions for the latest confirmed pricing.
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions
Islamabad Branch: Office B-9, Muhammad Gulistan Khan Plaza 82 East, Besides Tehzeeb Bakers, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Google Maps: View Islamabad Location on Map
Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi
Google Maps: View Rawalpindi Location on Map
Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111
Website: www.professionalhearingsolution.com
Conclusion
Understanding your type of hearing loss is the first step toward effective treatment. Whether sensorineural, conductive, or mixed, Professional Hearing Solutions provides expert diagnosis and appropriate solutions — from medical referral to professional hearing aid fitting.
