Sensorineural, conductive or sudden hearing loss? Here are the differences
Hearing loss is very common and affects people of all ages all over the world. Whether the loss comes on gradually with age or occurs suddenly, it can affect everyday life, work life and relationships. Here we go over the most common types of hearing loss, their causes and possible treatments so you can understand your hearing changes and know when it's time to seek help.
What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss means that your hearing is less than normal. It can be mild, moderate or severe and can affect one or both ears. The causes vary, but the most common types of hearing loss are:
- Management obstacles
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Combined hearing loss
- Sudden hearing loss
A hearing examination always includes a thorough check of the ear status and a hearing test . This is an important combination to determine the type of hearing loss and which treatment is best suited.
Conductive hearing loss (conductive hearing loss)
Conduction obstruction means that sound cannot be conducted correctly through the outer or middle ear. It is therefore a mechanical problem rather than an impact on the sense of hearing itself.
Common causes:
- Wax plug in the ear canal
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- Changes to the eardrum or auditory ossicles
Symptom:
- Sounds are perceived as muffled, as if one has “a plug in one’s ear”
- Tinnitus may occur
Treatment: In many cases, the problem can be easily fixed, for example by removing a wax plug. In other cases, medical or surgical treatment may be needed. If hearing loss persists, a hearing aid can be helpful.
Sensorineural - the most common type
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss. and occurs when the inner ear or auditory nerve does not work properly. Most commonly, the hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for converting sound waves into nerve signals, are weakened or destroyed. When these cannot work properly, hearing is affected.
Causes:
- Age-related hearing loss (presbyacusis)
- Noise damage from loud noises
- Hereditary factors
- Diseases or medications
Symptom:
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Audio may sound distorted or too loud
- You hear someone talking but can't understand the words clearly
- Tinnitus is common
Treatment: Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be treated medically, but modern hearing aids can provide very good results that improve both speech understanding and quality of life.
Combined hearing loss
A combined hearing loss is a combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.
Example: A person who already has age-related hearing loss and also has fluid in the middle ear.
Symptom:
- Both muffled sound and difficulty distinguishing speech
- Tinnitus may occur
Treatment: Depending on the causes, both medical measures and hearing aids may be needed.
Sudden hearing loss - an emergency condition
Sudden hearing loss can come on quickly, often in one ear, and is experienced as if the ear is "ringing".
Important:
- This is always an emergency condition and requires immediate care.
- Prompt treatment increases the chance of hearing recovery
- Symptoms such as unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, buzzing noises or dizziness should always be taken very seriously.
Why is it important to treat hearing problems in time?
Untreated hearing loss not only affects communication – it can lead to social isolation, fatigue and a reduced quality of life. Research also shows that long-term hearing problems can increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
The good news is that help is available. With a hearing test, a licensed audiologist can determine what type of hearing loss you have and what solution is best for you.
Get help with your hearing in Stockholm
At Aktiv Hörsel Stockholm you will meet licensed audiologists who will help you with examination, diagnosis and fitting of hearing aids. We work with the latest technology , personal attention and careful control of ear status and hearing tests . If necessary, we also collaborate with ear, nose and throat doctors to investigate the cause in depth and give you the best possible care.
👉 Book a hearing test today and take the first step towards better hearing.
