A conductive hearing impairment results when an infection, disease or obstruction occurs in the external or middle ear. This type of loss may be treated medically or surgically.

When the hearing impairment is due to a problem in the inner ear, a sensori neural hearing loss results. In most cases, sensori neural impairment is a result of damaged hair cells within the cochlea. This type of loss may be caused by several factors including genetic causes, injury, aging, ototoxic medication and noise. Generally, a sensori neural hearing loss cannot be corrected.

A mixed loss of hearing occurs when problems exist in both the middle and inner ear. This type of loss may be caused by injury, disease or infection. A mixed loss of hearing often can be partially corrected through medication or surgery.