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Hearing Loss: What type do you have and what can you do?

Hearing loss can be an uncomfortable condition for approximately one in eight Americans, but did you know there are several types of hearing loss? More importantly, there are different ways of treating each type of hearing loss.

Conductive, sensorineural, and mixed types of hearing loss all cause difficulty hearing soft sounds, and even potentially louder sounds, but there are some key differences in how they are caused and treated.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves are blocked from passing through the outer or middle ear. Some of the common causes of conductive hearing loss include:

  1. Impacted earwax
  2. A foreign object stuck in the ear canal
  3. An ear infection
  4. Fluid in the middle ear
  5. A hole in the eardrum
  6. A structural abnormality

This is commonly seen in children when they’ve stuck something in their ear, or if they have frequent ear infections. The good news about conductive hearing loss is it is often treatable with medications, surgery, or a combination of the two.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear. Some of the common causes of sensorineural hearing loss include:

  1. Genetic conditions
  2. General aging
  3. A head injury
  4. Exposure to loud noises or explosions
  5. Certain diseases
  6. Some medications

While sensorineural may be the most common type of hearing loss, it can be more difficult to treat than conductive, and often isn’t reversable. It can, however, be helped with hearing aids. Many people who suffer with sensorineural hearing loss find this to be a helpful option.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Some people affected by hearing loss can actually have a combination of both conductive and sensorineural. One may present before the other, or they can occur at the same time. The causes of mixed hearing loss can be the same as other types of hearing loss, and there may be more than one condition affecting your hearing.

Understanding the type of hearing loss you or your loved one are dealing with can have a huge impact on how you go about treatment. You may decide with your hearing care provider that you can pursue medication or surgery, or you may decide it’s best to get fitted for a hearing aid. Knowing more about the condition causing your hearing loss can also ease your mind and lessen the stress surrounding your symptoms.

Think you may be experiencing one of these types of hearing loss? Contact our office today so we can help you hear better again.

Our Provider

John Paul Schaeffer, HIS

Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist | Veteran | Medical Professional

John Paul Schaeffer is a dedicated Hearing Instrument Specialist and veteran with a diverse background in emergency medicine, military service, and healthcare. His career has focused on improving patient care through a combination of medical expertise and advanced hearing healthcare.
 
John’s journey began at 14 as a volunteer firefighter, and by 16, he was an EMT with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad. At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving with the 2nd Marine Division and providing battlefield medicine during two tours in Iraq. He balanced this with earning an associate degree and later worked in emergency medicine and medical transport.
 
Transitioning into hearing healthcare, John managed Miracle-Ear clinics across Virginia and the Carolinas before co-founding a private clinic. His commitment to patient care and innovative approaches led to the growth of community outreach programs and mobile clinics for underserved populations.
 
Currently with Revolution Hearing, John continues to provide personalized hearing solutions, dedicated to improving the lives of his patients.

Our Provider

Megan Zablan, HIS

Hearing Instrument Specialist

Megan has spent the past 25 years in Virginia Beach, where she developed her passion for the hearing aid industry, inspired by her mother, a dedicated hearing aid specialist. With 10 years of experience, Megan is committed to providing personalized care and building strong, lasting relationships with each client. She takes the time to understand their unique hearing needs and deliver the highest level of service. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Chewie and Adobo, playing board games, and staying active with pickleball. Her mission is simple: to help people hear better and improve their quality of life. Megan is dedicated to making sure every client receives the best possible care on their hearing journey.