Patient Resources
Understanding how your ears work, the types of hearing loss, and your coverage options can help you take the first step toward better hearing.
How Your Ears Work — And Why It Matters
Understanding Your Hearing Loss Degree
Hearing loss is measured by degrees—not percentages—and determined through a simple hearing test that compares your hearing to normal averages.
Five Degrees of Hearing Loss
- Mild hearing loss
- Moderate hearing loss
- Moderately-severe hearing loss
- Severe hearing loss
- Profound hearing loss
Note: Hearing loss can vary across different pitches and frequencies.
How We Measure Hearing
Decibels (dB) measure sound intensity:
- 0 dB: Softest whisper
- 25 dB: Normal hearing threshold limit
- 120 dB: Jet engine
Normal hearing thresholds for adults range from 0 to 25 dB.
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive Hearing Loss
Sound transmission problems in your outer ear, eardrum, or middle ear prevent sound from reaching the inner ear properly. Your inner ear remains unaffected.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Occurs when hair cells in your inner ear (cochlea) are damaged or abnormal, preventing sound from transmitting normally to your brain.
Mixed Hearing Loss
Combines existing sensorineural hearing loss with conductive hearing loss—problems in both your inner ear and outer/middle ear.
Conductive Hearing Loss: When Sound Can't Reach Your Inner Ear
Common Causes
Temporary causes:
- Fluid from colds or ear infections
- Allergies and inflammation
- Impacted earwax
- Swimmer’s ear
- Foreign objects in ear
Permanent causes:
- Perforated eardrum
- Benign tumors
- Missing or malformed ear structures
What You’ll Experience
- Muffled sounds that seem quiet or distant
- Improved hearing when sounds are made louder
- Generally good hearing once volume is increased
Treatment Options
Medical management can correct many temporary cases.
Hearing aids provide effective amplification for permanent cases where medical treatment isn’t possible.
Good News
Conductive hearing loss often responds well to treatment, whether medical or through amplification technology.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Inner Ear Damage
Common Causes
- Aging (presbycusis) – most common cause
- Loud noise exposure over time
- Genetics and hereditary factors
- Illnesses and infections
- Ototoxic drugs that damage hearing
- Head trauma or injury
- Inner ear malformation
What You’ll Experience
- Muffled speech that’s hard to understand
- Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty in background noise like restaurants
- Feeling others don’t speak clearly
Treatment Options
Hearing aids provide effective amplification for most cases.
Cochlear implants for severe to profound hearing loss when hearing aids aren’t enough.
Important to Know
- Generally permanent – doesn’t improve on its own
- May worsen over time without protection
- Regular monitoring with hearing tests recommended
- Early treatment provides best outcomes
Mixed Hearing Loss: Two Problems at Once
What This Means
Inner ear damage (sensorineural) plus sound transmission problems (conductive) create a double challenge for your hearing.
Treatment Approach
Medical management may address the conductive portion if it’s treatable.
Hearing aids are commonly recommended to manage the overall hearing loss effectively.
The Good News
Even with two types of hearing loss, effective treatment options can significantly improve your hearing and quality of life.
Temporary vs. Permanent
The conductive portion may be temporary or permanent depending on the cause, while the sensorineural portion is typically permanent.
Insurances
If you don’t see your insurance listed, give us a call. We’re happy to discuss your options.
Financing
At Sage Hearing Solutions, we believe hearing health is for everyone. That’s why we offer flexible financing plans with up to 24 months of no interest. To learn more about our financing options, and to discuss the right plan for you,
