Sensorineural vs. Conductive Hearing Loss

Q: What is the main difference between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve and is usually permanent. Conductive hearing loss occurs in the outer or middle ear and is often temporary or treatable.

Q: Can you have both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss at the same time?

Yes. This is called mixed hearing loss and involves both damage to the inner ear and a blockage or issue in the outer/middle ear. Treatment may involve both medical intervention and hearing aids.

Q: Can conductive hearing loss go away on its own?

In some cases, yes. For example, if it’s caused by a mild ear infection or earwax buildup, it may resolve with treatment or time. More persistent causes may require medical intervention.

Q: How do I know what type of hearing loss I have?

A professional hearing screening, including an audiogram, is the best way to determine your type of hearing loss. Hearing care professionals can guide diagnosis and next steps.

Q: What are the common signs of sensorineural hearing loss?

Muffled sounds, difficulty hearing in noisy environments, and trouble understanding speech are common signs. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may also occur.

Q: Is one type of hearing loss more common than the other?

Yes. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type, especially among older adults, due to age-related or noise-induced damage.

Understanding the types of hearing loss is a powerful first step toward protecting your hearing. Learn the differences in symptoms, causes, and treatments of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, so you can take action with confidence.

Audiologist Stephanie Jaffe

Published 7/23/2025,

Updated 7/23/2025

3 min read

Reviewed by

HearUSA editorial team

Hearing loss

On this page

Understanding Sensorineural and Conductive Hearing Loss

Discover the Type of Hearing Loss You Have

FAQs

Understanding Sensorineural and Conductive Hearing Loss

Sensorineural vs. Conductive Hearing Loss: Side-by-Side Comparison

Hearing loss is very individual, and treating it depends on the cause and your individual needs. That’s why understanding the types of hearing loss matters.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common form of permanent hearing loss. It’s caused by damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways that carry sound to the brain.

As a result, sound isn’t sent to the brain correctly. Once SNHL occurs, it cannot be cured, but it can be treated with things like hearing aids.

Conductive hearing loss happens when something blocks or reduces sound from passing through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. Often temporary, it’s treated with medicine or surgery.

This table shows additional details on how sensorineural and conductive hearing loss differ, and what these differences mean for treatment and recovery.

How to Know Which Type of Hearing Loss You Have

Not sure which type of hearing loss you have? While you can research types on your own, it’s important not to self-treat until meeting with a hearing care professional.

Start with a hearing screening
If you’re having trouble hearing, even if it seems mild, your first step should be a professional hearing test. A hearing screening is painless and only takes about an hour.

A hearing care specialist can determine whether the issue is sensorineural, conductive, or mixed, and guide you toward the right treatment.

Treatments can range from ear cleanings to obstruction removal for conductive hearing loss, and hearing aids and cochlear implants for SNHL.

Look for These Signs

While only a hearing care professional can make a proper diagnosis, keep an eye out for some of the most common signs that help identify your type of hearing loss:

Ear pain, a feeling of fullness, or hearing a muffled sound could indicate conductive hearing loss.
Inability to understand speech and keep up with conversations, even in quiet settings, most often points to sensorineural hearing loss.
Having a hard time hearing after frequent loud noise exposure normally means sensorineural hearing loss has occurred.
Tinnitus or ringing in the ears often accompanies sensorineural hearing loss.
Unable to hear clearly and hearing distorted sounds could be a combination of both types of hearing loss.

Not sure if you have a hearing loss?

Take our quick online hearing test to check your hearing from the comfort and privacy of home.

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Why an Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Knowing whether your hearing loss is conductive, sensorineural, or mixed helps determine the best course of action.

Without a professional hearing exam and diagnosis, you could waste time on solutions that don’t address the real issue, causing frustration and delays in care. For example:

Conductive hearing loss is caused by blocking sound from fully reaching the hearing system. Usually, it’s temporary and treatable with medication or minor procedures.
Sensorineural hearing loss requires ongoing treatment with hearing aids to protect the hearing that remains, as once you have age-related hearing loss, it’s not reversible.

Because permanent hearing loss can worsen over time, it’s important to have yearly follow-ups to have hearing aids adjusted as needed to help keep you and your brain healthy.

Final Thoughts

Sensorineural and conductive hearing loss may seem similar, but the causes, symptoms, and treatments are different. If you or a loved one notices hearing changes, seek out a professional diagnosis.

Check Your Hearing

HearUSA makes it easy to take the first step toward better hearing and understand the different types of hearing loss.

Book a complimentary hearing screening with one of our licensed hearing care professionals and get personalized guidance on the best solutions for your hearing needs.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss?

Can you have both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss at the same time?

Can conductive hearing loss go away on its own?

How do I know what type of hearing loss I have?

What are the common signs of sensorineural hearing loss?

Is one type of hearing loss more common than the other?

Sources

Mayo Clinic: Hearing Loss: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072

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