Wyoming EHDI

Basic Types of Hearing Loss

1. Conductive Hearing Loss is caused by problems in the outer and/or middle ear.  This type of hearing loss may be permanent or temporary.  It can often times be medically or surgically corrected.
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss is caused by problems in the cochlea and/or inner ear.  This is a permanent type hearing loss that usually cannot be medically or surgically corrected.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss is a combination of Conductive and Sensorineural hearing loss.
4. Central Auditory Processing Disorder is a condition where auditory signals are not processed by the brain.  The child can “hear” sound, but cannot understand what is being heard.  The child’s peripheral mechanisms are working, but the information does not reach the brain in a typical or efficient manner.