Hearing loss is typically typed in two categories, conductive or sensorineural. However the two can be combined and is then classified as a mixed hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss occurs in the outer or middle ear. Conditions may include ear wax impaction, collapsed ear canals, perforation of the ear drum, ear infection, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or separation of the middle ear bones. Conductive hearing loss accounts for 5% of all cases of hearing loss and can often be medically treated. If medical treatment does not restore all of ones hearing use of a hearing aid may be necessary.
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs in the inner ear or along the auditory neural pathway. Conditions can include inner hair cell damage and auditory nerve lesions. Sensorineural hearing loss accounts for 95% of all cases of hearing loss and are permanent. Most patients with this type of loss benefit from hearing aids.