Sensorineural Hearing Loss vs Conductive Hearing Loss

Home » Blog » Sensorineural Hearing Loss vs Conductive Hearing Loss

What is Conductive Hearing Loss?

Conductive hearing loss is characterized by loss of hearing in the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss might be present in conjunction with other types of hearing loss problem, or alone. When this happens, sound waves have trouble traveling through the usual route: the outer ear. This condition is comparable to plugging your ear – that is what it feels like. When this happens, the sound is unable to reach your nerve center wherein the brain is supposed to process the sound.

There are many potential causes behind conductive hearing loss. Some of the most common causes include ear infection, trauma or any type of malformation in the outer and middle ear, or perforated eardrums. Regardless of the cause, people who suffer from conductive hearing loss can hear but only in the absence of background noise. A certain level of sound is also required in order for speech to be understandable. Depending on the extent of the problem, hearing aids may or may not help patients suffering from conductive hearing loss.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss vs Conductive – The Differences

The human ear consists of several parts. Sound waves must travel through these different parts before it reaches the nerve center. When the path of sound waves is interrupted, the disruption can lead to different types of hearing loss (according to the type and location of the disruption). There are two major types of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive. It is common for patients to experience the symptoms of these two types of hearing loss on their own. However, there are also cases wherein they can exist together.

It is important to differentiate the two (as their symptoms can be very similar). Once you are able to differentiate, you can also determine the right type of treatment. Here are some of the differences between the two:

  •         Conductive hearing loss is due to the damage or disruption on the outer hearing pathway (such as the ear canal or outer ear). Sensorineural hearing loss happens as a result of damage to the nerves or inner ear.
  •         Conductive hearing loss is often due to a blockage in the outer ear. It is also categorized as temporary hearing loss (as hearing is often restored if blockage is treated). On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss is a permanent hearing loss. The extent of hearing loss can be mild, moderate, or severe.
  •         Both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids. With sensorineural hearing loss, management of the hearing loss is more of a priority over treatment. Medications and surgery might be recommended on more severe cases.
  •         The causes of conductive hearing loss include ear infections, ear wax and fluid buildup, allergies, or any foreign objects. The causes of sensorineural hearing loss include frequent exposure to loud noise, head trauma, illness or disease, medications (side effects), and genetic conditions.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have sensorineural or conductive hearing loss, it is important to get some tests done immediately. An audiologist or ENT specialist will be able to determine the difference between the two. From the result of your test, the appropriate treatment can be recommended. Many times, hearing aids can help with mild to moderate hearing loss. But for severe hearing loss, implants might be necessary.