Mixed Hearing Loss

A combination of conductive and sensorineural components

Overview

Mixed hearing loss combines a sensorineural problem in the inner ear or nerve with a conductive problem in the outer or middle ear. An older adult with age related loss who also develops a middle ear effusion is a typical example, as is advanced otosclerosis that affects both the stapes and the cochlea. The audiogram shows reduced bone conduction thresholds plus an additional air bone gap. The conductive part may be treatable, while the sensorineural part is generally permanent, so management often combines medical or surgical care with amplification.