Basically, there are three types of hearing impairments: conductive, sensorineural and mixed. Since the outer ear and middle ear are involved in the conduction of sound, a problem located in these areas is considered a conductive hearing impairment. It may be corrected or partially corrected with surgery and/or medication. Amplification or the use of hearing aids may also be an option.
A problem associated with the inner ear is considered a sensorineural hearing impairment. Generally, this type of hearing impairment is the result of damage or degeneration to the tiny nerve endings. It is usually not correctable with surgery or medication. The use of amplification is typically the treatment of choice. If both of these types of hearing impairment occur at the same time, the result is a mixed hearing impairment.
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