Sensorineural Hearing Loss vs. Conductive Hearing Loss
If you or a loved one has been told you have hearing loss, you may have heard terms like sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. Understanding the difference between these two types is key to finding the right treatment or hearing solution.
In this blog, we’ll break down the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for sensorineural vs. conductive hearing loss, so you can better understand your hearing health and what steps to take next.
Key Takeaways
- Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve and is typically permanent.
- Conductive hearing loss happens when sound is blocked in the outer or middle ear.
- Conductive hearing loss is often temporary or treatable.
- Symptoms of these two types of hearing loss range.
- Sensorineural hearing loss often affects clarity while conductive hearing loss can affect volume or may create a sensation where your ears feel “blocked.”
- Common causes of sensorineural hearing loss could be from aging or noise exposure.
- Causes of conductive hearing loss are often from ear wax buildup, infections, or structural issues.
- Treatment options vary and may include hearing aids, medication, ear wax removal, or surgery, depending on the type.
- A hearing test is the only way to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss accurately.
What Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of permanent hearing loss. It occurs when there’s damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the auditory nerve that carries sound signals to the brain.
The inner ear contains tiny hair cells and nerve pathways that are responsible for translating sound vibrations into signals your brain can understand. Once these become damaged or weakened, sound will still reach the ear but your brain receives a less accurate or incomplete version of it, which in turn, makes it difficult to hear and understand.
What Is Conductive Hearing Loss?
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound cannot effectively pass through the outer or middle ear to reach the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is often temporary and may be treatable with medication or surgery.
People will often describe this type of hearing loss as a feeling like your ear is “blocked”, making sounds seem quieter.
What is the Difference Between Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss
While both types of hearing loss impact your ability to hear, they differ in how they occur, how they feel, and how they’re treated.
Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, therefore making it a permanent form of hearing loss. People with SNL will notice their hearing seems distorted, have a difficult time understanding speech, and may feel that sounds feel muffled. The onset of this can be gradual or sudden (sudden sensorineural hearing loss).
Conductive hearing loss on the other hand, normally occurs when sound is blocked or restricted in the middle or outer ear. It can appear suddenly, and people describe it as though there is a “blocked” sensation or pressure in the ear. The good news is that a lot of the time, conductive hearing loss is temporary and treatable.
Because the causes are different, treatment will vary. This type of hearing loss can often be treated with ear wax removal, medications, or surgery depending on the issue.
Causes
There are many reasons why hearing loss can occur, and understanding the underlying cause is an important step in determining the correct treatment.
Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Aging (presbycusis)
- Noise exposure
- Head trauma
- Certain medications (ototoxic drugs)
- Illnesses such as Meniere’s disease or viral infections
Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss
- Earwax buildup
- Fluid in the middle ear (due to ear infections or colds)
- Perforated eardrum
- Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear)
- Malformations or blockages in the ear canal
Identifying the specific cause of hearing loss will help your clinician determine the proper treatment plan for you, and whether the cause is temporary, treatable, or best managed with a hearing prescription.
Symptoms
Hearing loss can appear in a variety of ways depending on the part of the ear it is affecting. Recognizing the symptoms can help you understand what type of hearing loss you have based on what you’ve been experiencing.
Common Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Trouble hearing clearly, especially in noisy environments.
- Muffled or distorted sounds.
- Difficulty understanding speech.
Common Symptoms of Conductive Hearing Loss
- A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.
- Sounds may seem quieter or “blocked”.
- Sudden or gradual hearing loss in one or both ears.
- Often accompanied by ear pain or drainage (in cases of infection).
If you start noticing any of these symptoms, a hearing test can determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and help guide you in the best next steps for treatment. For signs of hearing loss in other areas, read our full guide here.
Can You Have Both Sensorineural and Conductive Hearing Loss
Yes. Some people experience mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. For example, someone might have age-related hearing loss and also develop an ear infection. Treatment depends on addressing both components.
Treatment Options
Treatment for these specific types of hearing loss will depend on which type you have, and whether is underlying cause is temporary, reversible, or permanent. Each type requires a different approach to help improve your hearing.
Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatable
Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent, but treatment can greatly improve a patients communication, clarity, and quality of life. Options include:
- Hearing aids.
- Cochlear implants.
- Assistive listening devices.
- Aural rehabilitation strategies.
Is Conductive Hearing Loss Treatable
Yes, and often times it can be treated successfully. Many cases can be corrected once the blockage or issue is resolved. Depending on the cause, treatment could include:
- Ear wax removal.
- Medication or antibiotics.
- Surgery (eardrum repair).
- Bone-anchoring hearing devices.
With the right diagnosis and plan, most people experience an improvement, whether through medical treatment, surgery, or hearing technology.
Next Steps
Understanding the difference between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss can help you make informed decisions about your hearing health. If you’re noticing changes in your hearing, don’t wait. A comprehensive hearing test can determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and guide the best treatment options.
Our hearing care professionals are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a hearing assessment and take the first step toward better hearing.
References:
Hearing Solutions (n.d.). Understanding Sensorineural Hearing Loss. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss/sensorineural-hearing-loss/
Hearing Solutions (n.d.). Conductive Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss/conductive-hearing-loss/
Cleveland Clinic (15, Nov 2024). Sensorineural Hearing Loss. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/sensorineural-hearing-loss
Audiologists (18, July 2025). What is sensorineural hearing loss? https://audiologists.org/resources/conditions/what-is-sensorineural-hearing-loss
Hearing & Me (15, Nov ember 2025). Sensorineural Hearing Loss vs. Conductive Hearing Loss: What’s the Difference. https://hearingandme.com/sensorineural-vs-conductive-hearing-loss-whats-the-difference/
ENT Health (July 2019). Conductive Hearing Loss. https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/conductive-hearing-loss/
