Both Conductive Hearing Loss And Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss may be either conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or a combination of both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is something blocking the transmission of sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. In sensorineural hearing loss, sound can reach the inner ear, but damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve inhibits the processing of sound stimuli.

Mixed hearing loss is the presence of both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Things that can cause both types of hearing loss are head trauma, aging, tumors, and noise exposure. Head trauma that injures any part of the middle ear and the auditory nerve or cochlea can cause both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

If a tumor is blocking the conduction of sound and affecting the processing of sound by the cochlea or auditory nerve, it can cause mixed hearing loss. Aging may cause sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss by causing otosclerosis, which is the rigidity of the bony structures of the middle ear and a diminished ability of the cochlea or auditory nerve due to a lifelong exposure to noise.

Repeated noise exposure can cause sensorineural hearing loss. Auditory trauma from a loud noise like an explosion or being in close range of a gunshot can cause a perforation of the eardrum. A perforated eardrum can be a cause of conductive hearing loss. Therefore, noise can cause both kinds of hearing loss.
Both sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss can start suddenly or have a gradual onset. The individual may have had one type of hearing loss before developing the other type of hearing impairment. In some cases, both types of hearing loss have developed simultaneously.

After an individual with both types of hearing loss is evaluated by a physician, specialist, or hearing professional, the doctor or hearing professional may suggest treatment options based on the severity and causes of the hearing loss. Some forms of conductive hearing loss can be treated with surgery. Sensorineural hearing loss is considered to be permanent and not effectively treated with surgery. Many people with mixed hearing loss benefit from the use of hearing aids.