What types of hearing loss can individuals experience?

Individuals can experience two primary types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is an obstruction in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted to the inner ear. This can result from earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or damage to the ossicles. On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss is due to damage in the inner ear or the auditory nerve, affecting the way sounds are processed. This type of hearing loss can result from aging, exposure to loud noises, or diseases affecting the inner ear.

Understanding these two categories is crucial as they have different causes, treatments, and implications for auditory health, which aids healthcare professionals in diagnosing and developing appropriate management strategies for patients with hearing issues.