Hearing Loss Types
Once your hearing has been tested, you're hearing healthcare provider will probably categorize your loss by its "hearing loss type". This categorization is based on the location of the cause of the hearing impairment. There are 3 main types of hearing impairment: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Conductive hearing loss is typified by defect, dysfunction, or damage of the outer ear, middle ear, or any combination of the two. This includes the visible portions of the outer ear, the external ear canal, the tympanic membrane (ear drum), and the middle ear located behind the tympanic membrane where the small vibratory bones (osseous chain) are located. These bones are commonly called the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus), and stirrup (stapes). For those with conductive hearing loss, the volume of sound will be a principal issue. Incoming sounds may seem to be dull, muffled, diminished, or softer than normal. Many patients complain of having plugged, full, or stopped up ea...