The semi-circular canals are the balance organ. Conductive hearing loss can occur if the structures of the outer or middle ear do not work correctly. Conductive loss is more likely to respond to medical or surgical treatment . Sensorineural hearing loss is more likely to be permanent. Mixed hearing loss involves both conductive as well as sensorineural components.
Hearing is tested using earphones or loudspeakers which send sounds to the ear.
Because hearing loss can occur in either or both ears, it is important that both ears are tested. If testing reveals a hearing loss, another device, called a bone vibrator, is used to determine the type of hearing loss. The bone vibrator sends sounds to the inner ear and bypasses the ear canal and middle ear. With conductive hearing loss, sounds can be heard at softer levels when listening through the bone vibrator than through the earphone. With sensorineural hearing loss, sounds will be heard at similar levels using both devices.