What are the two main types of hearing loss?

The two main types of hearing loss are conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not effectively conducted through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. This type of hearing loss can often be treated with medication or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. This type of hearing loss cannot typically be fixed with surgery or medication and may require the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants for management.

Understanding these two categories is crucial for diagnosing the type of hearing loss a person may have, leading to proper treatment options. The other options, while they may describe various contexts or causes of hearing loss, do not encompass the primary classifications that directly relate to the mechanisms of hearing impairment.