Hearing loss is a common health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Yet, many are unaware that it isn’t a single condition with one cause or treatment. There are actually several types of hearing loss, each with its own characteristics, symptoms, and solutions. Recognizing the differences is key to getting the right care and improving your quality of life. Below, we’ll explore the three main categories: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound can’t move efficiently through the outer or middle ear, preventing it from reaching the inner ear properly. This type of hearing loss often results in muffled or faint sounds, sometimes affecting only one ear. People may also notice a feeling of fullness, pressure, or discomfort.
The causes can vary — from earwax buildup and middle ear infections to fluid behind the eardrum, a perforation, or even abnormal bone growth like otosclerosis. Fortunately, conductive hearing loss is often treatable. Depending on the cause, treatment might involve professional ear cleaning, medication for infection, or surgery to repair structural issues. In some cases, hearing aids can help amplify sounds until hearing returns to normal or improve clarity long term.
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common and typically permanent type of hearing loss. It occurs when there’s damage to the inner ear (the cochlea) or the auditory nerve, which carries sound signals to the brain. Rather than making things simply quieter, this type of hearing loss often makes sounds less clear, especially speech.
Common causes include aging, long-term exposure to loud noise, head injuries, certain medications, genetic factors, and viral infections like measles or meningitis. People with this condition often struggle to understand speech in noisy settings, may feel that others are mumbling, or experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
While sensorineural hearing loss can’t usually be reversed, today’s hearing technology offers effective ways to manage it. Hearing aids can make sounds clearer and more natural, and cochlear implants can help those with severe loss. Assistive devices and auditory training also support communication and confidence in daily life.
Mixed hearing loss is exactly what it sounds like — a combination of conductive and sensorineural loss. This means that problems exist in both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or nerve pathways. It’s a more complex condition, often caused by ongoing ear infections, trauma, or age-related decline alongside other ear issues.
Symptoms typically include muffled hearing, reduced speech clarity, tinnitus, and difficulty hearing in both quiet and noisy environments. Treatment usually begins by addressing the conductive component, such as removing blockages or treating infections, followed by hearing aids or implants to support the sensorineural aspect. Because each case is unique, audiologists often create a personalized plan to address both components effectively.
The first step in treating hearing loss is understanding which type you have. A comprehensive hearing evaluation performed by an audiologist or hearing specialist can identify the cause and guide you toward the most effective solutions.
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, don’t delay getting tested. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in maintaining your ability to connect, communicate, and enjoy life’s sounds.
Contact our office today to schedule a professional hearing assessment and start your journey toward better hearing.
© 2025 Huskerland Hearing. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Website by Beeman Marketing
My name is Kerrie Kirkpatrick I was born in Bismarck, N.D. but raised in central Nebraska. I have a strong history in healthcare from holding an esthetician license, dental assisting certification and a registered nursing license. Curatating creative content from photography to graphics and applying the end result to marketing has always been a passion of mine and lead to the pursuit of social media marketing management.
In my free time I enjoy sharing my passion of the equine industry with my two little girls, ages 3 years and 11 years. I grew up showing western and English riding, recently I have been dabbling in reining, lessoning in working cow and with goal of roping as well. I look forward to promoting the compassionate professionals behind HuskerLand Hearing and educating you on the best options available for your hearing health!
Caleb is a Hearing Instrument Specialist who focuses on helping people hear clearly and feel more confident in everyday situations. He takes a straightforward, no-pressure approach and makes sure his patients actually understand their hearing and the options available to them. His goal is to keep the process simple and deliver real results that improve day-to-day life.
Outside of the clinic, Caleb enjoys playing guitar and getting outdoors, especially hiking. He is married and values spending quality time with his wife, which helps him stay balanced and focused in both his personal life and his work with patients.
Meet Vivienne! She is a creative person who likes art, writing, and fashion. She often draws or sews to express her creativity. She also enjoys spending her free time learning languages, such as Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
Meet Corey! She is recently married and loving life with her husband and their sweet dog and cat. She is all about being outdoors, whether it's hiking, rock climbing, or kayaking somewhere beautiful. She loves traveling, finding new adventures, and soaking up as much nature as she can along the way.
Mickaela is the Patient Care Coordinator who keeps the billing and insurance process running. Away from the office, she loves reading, butchering Mandarin Chinese, having casual hangouts with friends, and anything to do with giraffes.
Maria is a Colorado transplant who has happily made the Midwest her home. When she's not behind the front desk chatting away with anyone who will listen, you can find her behind a camera, hanging with her husband and two sons (a German Shepherd and tuxedo cat), or cozying up with a book. Her favorite part about her job is being part of a team that helps people feel cared for through hearing care experience, support, and kindness.
Madison was born and raised in Nebraska. She is fortunate to work alongside her mother, Darci, as they do what they love. She comes from a line of hearing specialists, as her grandfather owned his business for over 35 years. Helping people hear runs in their blood. In her free time she loves spending time with her husband and their 3 cats. She finds joy in traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Darci has been in the business of helping people hear for over 35 years, working with her father in his private practice for most of that time. To Darci, what she does isn't a job, it's something that she loves. It's a passion that was handed down to her from her father that she now gets to share with her daughter. Outside of work she loves spending time outside and with her three kids and their spouses.
Cameron Ellison is the owner of Huskerland Hearing Center. Cameron and his staff absolutely cannot wait to get you living a more healthy, more engaged lifestyle through better hearing!
They are ready to handle whatever hearing issue you may be experiencing. Please feel free to reach out to Cameron or any of his staff with any questions you may have. For more of a background on Cameron and his WHY, please click the link below. Helping People Communicate Again