Hearing loss is classified according to which part of the auditory system is affected. Our specialist will first localize where in the hearing pathway the problem lays, so as to be able to classify the hearing loss as belonging to one of the following groups. This is most important in determining the appropriate treatment.

Conductive hearing loss

A conductive hearing loss refers to a decrease in sound caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear. Such loss indicates normal inner ear activity. Possible causes of a conductive loss may be: wax in the ear canal, perforated eardrum, fluid in the middle ear. This type of loss is usually treatible with either medical or surgical intervention. 

Sensorineural hearing loss

A sensorineural hearing loss refers to a problem located in the inner ear or along the nerve connecting inner ear and the brain. This type of hearing loss may be caused by aging, noise exposure, infection or other disease or it might be related to genetic disorder. Such a loss is usually permanent and it is not treatable by medical or surgical intervention.  

Central hearing loss

In central hearing loss, the problem lies in the central nervous system at some point within the brain. Interpreting speech is a complex task. Some people can hear perfectly well but have trouble interpreting or understanding what is being said. Although information about central hearing loss is accumulating, it remains somewhat a mystery in our field. This type of hearing loss is rear.

Functional hearing loss

Functional hearing loss involves a psychological or emotional problem, rather than physical damage to the hearing pathway. Individuals with this type of hearing loss do not seem to hear or respond; yet, in reality, they have normal hearing.

Mixed Hearing loss

Frequently, a person experiences two or more types of hearing impairment, and this is called mixed hearing loss. This term is used only when both conductive and sensorineural hearing losses are present in the same ear.