Mixed Loss

When a combination of both conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss are present at the same time in one ear, this is referred to as mixed hearing loss. In this case, there is likely to be damage to the outer or middle ear as well as to the inner ear or auditory nerve.

Potential Causes:

Causes of mixed hearing loss vary dramatically from one indivudal to the next. Sensorineural hearing loss may already present and the conductive hearing loss develops later due to a trama or other issue. A conductive hearing loss that has not been treated may be present and sensorineural hearing loss develops from aging or long term exposure to loud noise.

Treatment Options:

Medication or surgery may correct the conductive portion of the mixed hearing loss, but these treatments will not correct the sensorineural portion of the hearing loss. Many people who suffer from a mixed hearing loss will receive medical treatment for the conductive hearing but will have to use hearing aid to treat the remaining sensorineural component of their hearing loss.