In this Article

• What are forms of hearing loss?
• What are other classifications of hearing loss?
• What is the treatment for hearing loss?
• Deafness Glossary
• Deafness Index

What are other classifications of hearing loss?

Hearing loss can also be classified based on which portions of the hearing system (auditory system) are affected. When the nervous system is affected, it is referred to as sensorineural hearing loss. When the portions of the ear that are responsible for transmitting the sound to the nerves are affected, it is referred to as conductive hearing loss.

Conditions affecting the cochlea, eighth cranial nerve, spinal cord, or brain cause sensorineural hearing loss. Examples include:

• Meniere's disease,
• hearing loss of aging (presbycusis),
• nerve injury from syphilis,
• hearing loss of unknown cause (idiopathic hearing loss),
• nerve tumors and;
• drug toxicity (such as aspirin and aminoglycosides).

Conditions that affect the ear canal, eardrum (tympanic membrane), and middle ear lead to conductive hearing loss. Examples of conductive hearing loss include:

• ear wax blocking the ear canal,
• otitis media and;
• otosclerosis.

What is the treatment for hearing loss?

The treatment of hearing loss depends on its cause. For example:

• ear wax can be removed,
• ear infection can be treated with medications,
• medications that are toxic to the ear can be avoided and;
• occasionally surgical procedures are necessary.

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