Different types of hearing loss

Explore hearing loss types, their classifications, and discover treatments

Hearing loss: Understanding the different types

Hearing loss can appear in many different forms—sometimes it’s short-term, other times it’s lasting. For some people, it affects only one ear, while for others it may make certain tones, such as very high or very low sounds, harder to detect. Understanding the specific type of hearing loss you have is an important step in finding the most effective treatment or management option.

Book a free appointment

Recognizing gradual and sudden hearing loss

Hearing loss can develop gradually over time, with a slow transition from mild to more significant impairment. Monitoring these changes is important to address issues early and prevent further deterioration. In contrast, sudden hearing loss occurs abruptly, often within hours or days, and requires prompt medical attention. Recognizing both gradual and sudden changes in hearing helps ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and support to maintain communication and quality of life.

Amplifon Audiologist talking with her clients

Come in to your local Amplifon clinic

If you would like to learn more about the options available to you, come in to your local Amplifon hearing clinic, and our Audiologists/ Hearing care professionals will be able to answer all your questions.

Find a clinic Book a free appointment

Most common type of hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss and occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways. This type of loss makes it difficult for the brain to process sound clearly, even when it is loud enough. Causes can include natural aging, prolonged exposure to loud noise, head trauma, certain medications, or genetic factors. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent, but treatments such as hearing aids or cochlear implants can significantly improve communication.

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not transmitted efficiently through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. This may result from issues such as earwax buildup, middle ear infections, fluid behind the eardrum, or problems with the eardrum and ossicles (the small hearing bones). Because less sound reaches the inner ear, hearing often seems quieter or muffled. In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be improved or corrected with medical treatment or minor surgical procedures.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss refers to a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components. In this case, there are problems in the outer or middle ear that interfere with sound transmission, along with damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve. Treatment often involves addressing the conductive portion, such as clearing an obstruction or treating infection, while also managing the sensorineural component with amplification devices like hearing aids.

Low-frequency hearing loss

Low-frequency hearing loss affects the ability to hear deeper, lower-pitched sounds, such as men’s voices, bass notes in music, or background noises like engines or fans. People with this type of hearing loss may still hear higher-pitched sounds clearly but struggle with speech clarity, especially in noisy environments. Causes can include genetic factors, Ménière’s disease, or inner ear abnormalities. Because low-frequency sounds play an important role in speech understanding and environmental awareness, identifying this type of hearing loss is important for choosing the right treatment and support options.

Unilateral hearing loss

Unilateral deafness is significant or total hearing loss in one ear, while the other ear functions normally. It can make it harder to locate sounds or follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. Causes include infections, trauma, or sudden sensorineural loss. Management may involve hearing devices like CROS systems or strategies to improve communication.

Digital hearing aids connecting to your smart devices

Hearing loss symptoms: first signs and what to do

Find out, with the help of our experts, which are the first signs and symptoms of hearing loss and which are the available treatments.

Learn more

Communication tips for people with hearing loss

Discover communication tips that make conversations easier for people with different types of hearing loss. From speaking clearly and facing the listener to reducing background noise and using assistive tools, small changes can create big improvements in understanding and connection.

A young girl watching a movie at the cinema

Hearing loss in children: causes and prevention

Find out which are the causes and signs of hearing loss in children, how to prevent and treat kids

Learn more Book a free appointment

Frequently Asked Questions about hearing loss and its types

Deafness & hearing loss differences

Hearing loss refers to a partial reduction in the ability to hear, which can often be helped with treatments like hearing aids. Deafness usually means profound or total hearing loss, where little to no useful hearing remains, often requiring alternative communication methods such as sign language. Understanding the difference helps guide appropriate care and support.

How does hearing damage occur?

Hearing damage happens when the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, which detect sound, are harmed. Once damaged, these cells cannot regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss. Common causes include loud noise exposure, aging, infections, certain medications, and head injuries. Protecting your ears from excessive noise and addressing ear health issues early can help prevent lasting damage.

What is Anacusis?

Anacusis is the medical term for total or profound deafness, meaning a complete loss of hearing in one or both ears. People with anacusis cannot perceive any sound through the affected ear(s), making spoken communication without visual support—like lip reading or sign language—very difficult. Causes can include congenital conditions, severe infections, trauma, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Management often involves visual or tactile communication methods and, in some cases, hearing devices such as cochlear implants if appropriate.

Check out related content

The Amplifon blog is our place to explore ideas and themes of interest. For professional audiology advice, please contact your local clinic for a consultation.

Get support and advice

Request a hearing test

Schedule an apppointment

Request now

Test your hearing online

Get your results online

Take the test

Find your nearest hearing clinic

Visit the branch locator

Find a clinic