What are the different kinds of hearing loss?

Did you know at least 20% of the population suffers from tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears?

Did you know the number one cause of hearing loss is exposure to excessive noise?

Did you know 65% of those with hearing loss are under age 65?

Did you know every other person over age 50 has difficulty understanding?

Did you know the incidence of hearing loss has doubled over the last 30 years?

Did you know only 16% of doctors routinely screen for hearing loss?

There are three types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs from loss of sound sensitivity resulting from abnormalities of the middle and/or outer ear. The auditory nerve's function is still normal, the sound is just impeded from getting to the inner ear. This type of loss is common in children with ear infections; once the infection is cleared up, the hearing is restored.
Sensorineural hearing loss results from abnormalities of the inner ear and/or nerve paths to the brain. The auditory cells and nerve are permanently damaged. This is the type of hearing loss often referred to as "nerve deafness.
Mixed hearing losses are those that have symptoms of both conductive and sensorineural hearing losses.