Which type of hearing loss is most commonly permanent and due to inner ear damage?

• A. Conductive
• B. Mixed
• C. Central
• D. Sensorineural

Answer: (D)

Sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent and results from damage to the inner ear structures, such as the hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve pathways. When these sensory or neural components are damaged, they don’t readily repair, so the hearing loss tends to be lifelong. This differs from conductive hearing loss, which stems from problems in the outer or middle ear and is often treatable or reversible. Mixed involves both conductive and sensorineural components, and central refers to brain processing issues rather than the inner ear itself.