What is the Difference Between Sensorineural and Conductive Hearing Loss?

The main difference between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss lies in the cause and the treatment options. Here are the key differences:

Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL):

Caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, such as damage to the tiny hair cells in the ear that vibrate in response to sound.
Common causes include aging, exposure to loud noises, viral infections, head injury, genetics, and certain medications.
Treatment options may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and compensatory strategies.

Conductive Hearing Loss:

Occurs when there is an obstruction or damage in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from reaching the inner ear.
Common causes include wax impaction, foreign objects, perforated eardrums, and infections.
Treatment options may include medication, surgery, or the removal of obstruction, depending on the cause.

A mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. The appropriate treatment for each type of hearing loss depends on the specific cause and individual circumstances. Early diagnosis is crucial for the best possible treatment outcomes.

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What is the Difference Between Sensorineural and Conductive Hearing Loss?

Comparative Table: Sensorineural vs Conductive Hearing Loss

Feature	Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)	Conductive Hearing Loss (CHL)
Cause	Damage to inner ear or auditory nerve	Blockage in outer or middle ear
Treatment	Hearing aids, cochlear implants	Removing blockage, medication
Permanence	Permanent in most cases	May be temporary or chronic
Symptoms	Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments	Difficulty hearing faint sounds or understanding speech in noisy environments
Type	Most common type of hearing loss	Less common type of hearing loss
Location	Inner ear, cochlea, or neural pathway	External ear, middle ear, or both

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the result of damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, while conductive hearing loss (CHL) occurs when sounds are blocked from reaching the inner ear due to a problem or blockage in the outer and/or middle ear. The main differences between the two types of hearing loss lie in their causes, treatment options, and permanence.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.