Type describes where the pathway is affected
The ASHA clinical overview describes three basic types. Conductive loss relates to the outer ear, ear canal, eardrum or middle ear transmitting sound. Sensorineural loss relates to the cochlea or the hearing nerve. Mixed loss has both components.
Type is not the same as cause. Wax can contribute to conductive loss, but so can fluid, an eardrum problem or structural change. Sensorineural loss can be associated with ageing or noise, but also with genetic, infectious, medication-related, injury and other factors. A list of possible causes is not a diagnosis.
Degree and configuration answer different questions
Degree describes how much hearing level differs from a reference range. Configuration describes the shape across frequencies—for example, sloping, flat or affecting one pitch region more than another. The right and left ears may also be symmetrical or different.
This is why one label such as “moderate” or “sensorineural” cannot fully describe daily communication. Speech understanding, background noise, listening effort and the person’s goals matter too.
How does testing distinguish the types?
An audiologist compares results from air-conduction and bone-conduction testing and considers the ear examination, middle-ear tests, speech results and history. Ask the clinician to show how those pieces support the conclusion rather than relying on a colour-coded chart alone.
The NIDCD hearing-aid overview explains that an ENT investigates the cause of hearing difficulty, while an audiologist measures hearing and assesses the type and degree of loss. Ask what your results mean before choosing a device.
What does the label mean for treatment?
Not enough by itself. Some outer- or middle-ear problems can be treated medically or surgically; others cannot. Sensorineural loss may be supported with hearing aids, assistive technology, rehabilitation or implant evaluation depending on severity and individual circumstances. Mixed loss may need more than one approach.
Ask for four separate answers: the type, degree, configuration, and recommended next step—including whether medical referral is needed.