Hearing loss can be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed, which is a combination of conductive and sensorineural. The type of hearing loss is correlated with the anatomic part of the ear affected (outer, middle, or inner ear). Generally, damage to the outer and middle ear causes conductive hearing loss, whereas inner ear damage results in sensorineural hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss is caused by the inability of sound waves from the outer ear to connect with the tiny bones of the middle ear. As sound is carried from the outside of the ear to the ear canal, leading to the middle ear, vibrations that need to take place do not occur, resulting in hearing loss. The hearing deficit can be minor or it can be significant, depending the cause and extent of damage. People face a high risk of losing their hearing when care is not taken to use protective wear, such as using foam ear protectors when in the presence of loud noises.