Types of Hearing Loss

Types of hearing loss can be described in terms of where the hearing loss occurs in the ear, and how long the hearing loss has been there. 

Where the hearing loss occurs in the ear:

Determining the part of the ear where the hearing loss occurs may take some time.  The audiologist may need to do comprehensive testing taking several to many sessions, particularly if there is a combination of types of hearing loss.  These tests help to determine whether the hearing loss occurs in the middle ear, inner ear (cochlea), or further along the auditory nerve that connects the hair cells in the cochlea to the auditory centers in the brain. 

The audiologist may also be able to determine ear specific information.  It is helpful to learn the type and extent of hearing loss for each ear.  Again, it takes time and a variety of tests to get information about each ear separately.