What differentiates sensorineural hearing loss from conductive hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss is primarily caused by damage to the inner ear structures or the auditory nerve pathways, and presbycusis, which is age-related hearing loss, is a common example of this type. As people age, the hair cells in the cochlea can degenerate, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss, which tends to be permanent and cannot be medically or surgically corrected.

In contrast, conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not efficiently conducted through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. Common causes of conductive hearing loss include earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or physical obstructions. These conditions are often temporary and can be treated effectively, which is one of the key distinctions.

The other options do not accurately identify the characteristics of sensorineural versus conductive hearing loss. Specifically, the notion that it affects only young individuals is incorrect, as sensorineural hearing loss can occur at any age, although it becomes more prevalent with increased age.