Generally, it can be caused by ear infections, impacted ear wax, tumours, otosclerosis, eustachian tube dysfunction, perforated ear drum, trauma, or fluid in the middle ear.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there are problems with the inner ear and can also be referred to as nerve-related. This type of loss can be hereditary, age-related, noise induced; or can be caused by trauma, viruses, Meniere’s Syndrome, otosclerosis, disease or tumours.

Mixed hearing loss relates to a combination of sensorineural and conductive loss. Depending on the type and cause of a patient’s deafness, treatment can include surgery, medication, microsuction, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, cochlear implants and counselling.