Some of these factors can be reversed. Do not be misled by the belief that all hearing loss is a product of normal aging. Visit with a health care professional when hearing loss is detected. Types Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a blocking of sound waves that are carried from the ear drums to the inner ear. This may be caused by ear wax in the ear canal, fluid in the middle ear, or abnormal bone growth or infection in the inner ear.
Sounds seem muffled or faint.
At the same time, however, a person may perceive his or her own voice to be louder than usual and may speak more softly as a result. Many conductive hearing losses can be corrected medically or surgically. Hearing aids may also help. Sensorineural hearing loss involves damage to parts of the inner ear or auditory nerve. With this type of hearing loss, there is particular difficulty in hearing high-pitched sounds.