A mixed hearing loss is a combination of a

conductive and sensorineural hearing loss;

it results from problems in both the inner
ear and the outer ear or middle ear.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is caused by a combination of conductive damage in the outer or
middle ear and sensorineural damage in the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve.

Treatments for Mixed Hearing Loss

Audiologists recommend taking care of the conductive component first. There have
been times when the addition of the conductive component made the person a better
hearing aid candidate, by flattening out the audiogram for example, while the
underlying sensorineural component presented a high-frequency loss. However, the
emphasis would still be on treating medically what can be treated. Generally, you
would expect positive results.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the passage of sound is blocked in either the ear canal or
in the middle ear.

The passage of sound may be blocked due to blockages or damaged anatomical structures in
the outer ear, ear canal or middle ear

onductive hearing loss can be caused by the following factors:

 Accumulation of ear wax within the ear canal

 Many episodes of middle ear infection (otitis media)
 Chronic infection
 A growth in the middle ear (cholesteatoma)
 An abnormal bone growth near the middle ear (otosclerosis)

Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage to the inner ear or to the nerves that
travel from the ear to the brain.
Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and can make even loud noises sound muffled.
  Drugs and medication
Sensorineural hearing loss can be a side-effect of certain medications and
cancer treatment.

Genetic conditions
Genetic sensorineural hearing loss may affect infants from birth or develop later in life.

D. Mixed hearing loss (see Fig. 60-4)

1. Also known as conductive-sensorineural hearing
loss
2. The client has both sensorineural and conductive
hearing loss.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Frequently asking others to repeat statements
▪ Straining to hear
▪ Turning the head or leaning forward to favor 1 ear
▪ Shouting in conversation
▪ Ringing in the ears
▪ Failing to respond when not looking in the direction of the
sound
▪ Answering questions incorrectly
▪ Raising the volume of the television or radio
▪ Avoiding large groups
▪ Better understanding of speech when in small groups
▪ Withdrawing from social interactions

Risk Factors for Ear Disorders

▪ Aging process
▪ Infection
▪ Medications
▪ Ototoxicity
▪ Trauma
▪ Tumors