Types of hearing loss

Book an appointment Visit us at one of our clinics Take our online hearing test

The different types of hearing loss

Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages. Understanding the different types of hearing loss is essential to identify the right treatment or hearing solution. Whether it’s temporary or permanent, mild or severe, recognising the cause and type of hearing loss can help you find the best way to improve your hearing and daily life.

Visit us at your local clinic

What are the main types of hearing loss?

Hearing loss can manifest in different ways, depending on which part of the auditory system is affected. Generally, specialists recognise four main types of hearing loss, each with distinct causes and characteristics:

Sensorineural hearing loss – the most common type, caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. It often affects the clarity of sounds, especially high frequencies.
Conductive hearing loss – occurs when sound cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear, often due to blockages, infections, or structural issues.
Mixed hearing loss – a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, where both the inner ear and the middle or outer ear contribute to reduced hearing.
Central hearing loss – less common, arising from issues in the brain’s auditory processing rather than the ear itself.

Understanding these types of deafness and hearing loss is crucial for identifying the right treatment or hearing aid solution.

Worried about hearing loss? Book An Appointment Now

1) Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of hearing loss and is usually permanent. It happens when the delicate hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve become damaged.

Common causes include:

Ageing (presbycusis)
Exposure to loud noises
Genetic or congenital factors
Certain medications or viral infections

This type of hearing loss often affects high-frequency sounds first, making it difficult to hear birds chirping or understand speech clearly, especially in noisy environments.

Best type of hearing aid for sensorineural hearing loss

Modern digital hearing aids are highly effective in managing SNHL. Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models are among the best types of hearing aid for sensorineural hearing loss, offering clear amplification and advanced noise reduction.

If you experience high frequency hearing loss, hearing aids with frequency-lowering technology are the best type of hearing aid for high frequency hearing loss, allowing you to perceive speech sounds more naturally.

2) Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot efficiently reach the inner ear due to a blockage or issue in the outer or middle ear.

Common causes include:

Earwax build-up
Ear infections or fluid in the middle ear
Perforated eardrum
Abnormal bone growth (otosclerosis)

In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be temporary and medically treatable. However, if it becomes chronic, hearing aids or surgical options may be recommended.

Best type of hearing aid for conductive hearing loss

Bone-anchored hearing systems (BAHS) are ideal when traditional amplification is insufficient, as they transmit sound directly to the inner ear. Standard BTE hearing aids can also be used when amplification alone can compensate for the hearing deficit.

Check your hearing online now

Use our free online hearing test to get instant results.

Take the online hearing test

using the Amplifon app during lunch time for volume control

3) Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive components, meaning both the inner ear and the outer or middle ear contribute to reduced hearing.

Common scenarios include:

Age-related hearing loss with concurrent middle ear issues
Chronic infections affecting the middle ear on top of existing SNHL

Best type of hearing aid for mixed hearing loss

High-powered BTE devices are effective, as they provide enough amplification for the sensorineural component while addressing the conductive element. Advanced RIC hearing aids are also suitable for those seeking a balance of discretion and technological support.

4) Central Hearing Loss

Central hearing loss occurs when the brain has difficulty processing sounds, rather than there being a problem in the ear itself. This can make understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, very challenging.

Causes include:

Stroke or brain injury
Auditory processing disorders
Neurological conditions

Best type of hearing aid for central hearing loss

Devices focused on speech clarity, such as In-the-Ear (ITE) or Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids with digital sound processing, are most helpful. Additionally, hearing assistive devices (HADs)—like personal amplifiers or systems for listening to TV and conversations in noisy settings—can support communication.

5) Congenital and Genetic Hearing Loss

Congenital hearing loss is present at birth and may be caused by genetic mutations, complications during pregnancy, or infections such as rubella. On the other hand, genetic hearing loss can be either present from birth or develop later in life, depending on the specific gene involved.

There are many types of congenital hearing loss and types of genetic hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. Early detection through newborn hearing screening and genetic testing can make a significant difference in communication development and treatment outcomes.

What is the most common type of hearing loss?

The most common type of hearing loss is Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This is commonly caused by ageing, exposure to loud noises, genetic factors or certain medication. As this type of hearing loss is so common, the Australian Government provides subsidies to eligibl pensioners under the Hearing Services Program to address hearing loss.

Book your free hearing check

If you notice any changes in your hearing, such as difficulty understanding speech, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or a sudden decrease in hearing, it is important to consult a healthcare professional or audiologist promptly. Early assessment can help determine the type and cause of hearing loss, allow timely intervention, and ensure you receive the most suitable hearing solutions. Ignoring symptoms may lead to further deterioration, whereas professional support can significantly improve your hearing and overall daily life.

Book an appointment