Hearing loss, or hearing impairment (say: im-pare-ment), happens when there is a problem with one or more parts of the ear or ears. Someone who has hearing loss or impairment may be able to hear some sounds or nothing at all. Degree of hearing loss refers to the severity of the loss which can vary from Mild, Moderate, Severe to Profound based on hearing loss range in decibels (dB HL). People also may use the words deaf, deafness, or hard of hearing when they’re talking about hearing loss.

Hearing impairment can impose a heavy social and economic burden on individuals and their families. Hearing impairment in children may delay development of language and cognitive skills, which may hinder progress in school. In adults, hearing impairment often makes it difficult to obtain, perform, and keep employment. Hearing impaired children and adults are often stigmatized and socially isolated.

Hearing loss can be categorized by which part of the auditory system is damaged. The three basic types of hearing loss are:

• Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones (ossicles) of the middle ear. Conductive hearing loss usually involves a reduction in sound level or the ability to hear faint sounds. This type of hearing loss can often be corrected medically or surgically.
• Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea), or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. This is the most common type of permanent hearing loss can mostly be treated through a hearing device (Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implant)
• Mixed hearing loss. Sometimes a conductive hearing loss occurs in combination with a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). In other words, there may be damage in the outer or middle ear and in the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve. When this occurs, the hearing loss is referred to as a mixed hearing loss.