Know your type of hearing loss

Knowing about your hearing health, and the different types of hearing loss that might affect it, helps you to detect or prevent a hearing loss. Explore the types below. If you are curious about your hearing abilities try out online hearing test.

Online hearing test

What are the types of hearing loss?

There are 3 types of hearing loss: sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss.

The type of hearing loss is determined by the part of the ear that is affected.

Get more insight on the hearing loss types below:

The most common type

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. This broader category includes many different causes of hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sound wave roadblocks

Conductive hearing loss

A conductive hearing loss happens when sound is obstructed inside the ear canal or in the middle ear. The blockage prevents incoming sounds from properly traveling through the inner ear and down to the cochlea.

Conductive hearing loss

The combo-platter

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is the combination platter of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. This means that there is a problem in both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear.

Mixed hearing loss

Subcategories of hearing loss types

Other categories of hearing loss

Hearing loss can also be described as bilateral hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear) and sudden-hearing-loss.

Get your overview here:

When one ear is affected

Unilateral hearing loss

When hearing is lacking in one ear, it can have more impact than you think. Learn what causes unilateral hearing loss, how to identify it and the steps you can take to start hearing better.

Unilateral hearing loss (one ear)

Prompt hearing evaluation needed

Sudden hearing loss

When your hearing loss occurs within a period of 72 hours it is categorized as sudden. It is important to see a doctor immediately as early treatment may improve chances of recovery.

Sudden hearing loss

When both ears have hearing loss

Bilateral hearing loss

A bilateral hearing loss refers to reduced hearing in both ears. This is more of a higher-level, general category of hearing loss, since most cases have some effect on both ears. It can conductive, sensorineural or mixed.

Bilateral hearing loss (both ears)

Your hearing test will most often be carried out in a sound proff room to check your hearing loss

Age, noise, wax or medical conditions

What could be the cause of your hearing loss?

There are many different reasons and causes. Sometimes a hearing loss can be as simple as too much earwax or a temporary ear infection. Let's look into the more common causes such as age and noise:

Our ears often gets worn down with age

Age-related hearing loss

More often than not, the most common type of hearing loss happens to all of us - aging.
Age-related hearing loss is a form of sensorineural hearing loss that happens as our nerves and hearing ability start to wear down over time.

Age-related hearing loss

Elderly coup0le watching TV with hearing aids

Be aware of noisy sorroundings

Noise-induced hearing loss

Too much noise = good vibrations but also bad hearing later down the line. Loud music feels good, but has a hidden cost. Other factors such as noisy work environment, DIY jobs at home with noisy tools can also cause hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss

Protect you hearing when doing noisy work such as cutting your hedge to prevent hearing loss

Test and diagnosis

Curious whether you have hearing loss?

Knowledge is power. An online hearing test is an easy way to get a general view of your hearing abilities. Test your hearing in both ears and get instant results.

Online hearing test

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