Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Latest posts by Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D. (see all)
- How Hearing Loss Affects Communication in Relationships - November 6, 2025
- The Importance of Early Hearing Loss Detection in Children - October 27, 2025
- The Connection Between Hearing Health and Overall Well-Being - October 15, 2025
Hearing changes can be unsettling, especially when sounds become less distinct or dislocated. Early signs often appear quietly. Television volume may have been rising, and being in a noisy environment may make conversations harder to follow. These tiny changes could make many people feel uneasy.
There is no single solution to hearing loss at this time. This phenomenon manifests in numerous ways, each with its own origin and impact. Guidance from a hearing health professional makes it easier to understand what is happening and how to restore clarity.
Conductive Hearing Loss Affects Sound Flow
Conductive hearing loss happens when sound can’t easily travel through the outer or middle ear. The problem is often physical. It can include the buildup of earwax, fluid behind the eardrum, or a damaged eardrum that blocks the path that sound is meant to take to the inner ear.
In different cases, the hearing loss won’t be permanent, and treatment will later restore it. This form of hearing loss causes voices to sound muffled during conversations and makes it hard to hear soft sounds.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Involves the Inner Ear
Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear. The tiny hair cells that convert sound into information for the brain are the ones that are lost in this condition. It is linked to aging, noise exposure, and other health issues.
Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss differ. Sensorineural hearing loss is incurable and can only be improved with hearing aids. Despite hearing words, many people with this type of hearing loss have trouble understanding them, especially when other sounds interfere.
Mixed Hearing Loss is a Blend of Both Types
Some people have been diagnosed with conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, a condition called mixed hearing loss. For instance, a person can have age-related hearing loss in the inner ear and also have temporary blockage in the outer or middle ear. With these two, it becomes hard for a person to understand sounds.
Treatment will involve focusing on the conductive part first, like treating any infection or removing excess earwax. After that, hearing support for the sensorineural portion may come into play. A hearing health professional offers medical guidance based on what the patient needs.
Sudden Hearing Loss Needs Quick Action
As the name implies, sudden hearing loss is just that. The condition commonly affects one ear and may appear within hours or days. The fact that sudden hearing loss is sometimes difficult to diagnose may explain this phenomenon. It may be caused by a virus, loud noises, or blood circulation difficulties.
Certain types of hearing loss are considered catastrophic medical conditions. A hearing health professional will assess the situation and recommend treatment.
High-Frequency Hearing Loss Changes Conversations
High-frequency hearing loss occurs when the person finds it challenging to hear higher-pitched sounds during conversations. This can include speech sounds like ‘s,’ ‘f,’ or ‘th,’ all of which are soft but also important. Most people with this type of hearing loss might always ask others during conversations to repeat things.
Since the low-pitched sounds can still be heard, it will take a while for the person to notice the symptoms of this form of hearing loss. With the help of a hearing health professional, one can get a test and receive support so that conversations are natural again.
Why Hearing Type Matters for Long-Term Care
Each type of hearing loss points to a different part of the ear and requires a different path forward. That’s why hearing tests play such a big role. These tests make it easy to pinpoint the problem and the impact on daily life.
Once the hearing health professional knows what the patient needs, they can come up with a custom plan. This can include hearing aids, medical care, and lifestyle changes for better communication.
Take the First Step With Professional Support
The type of hearing loss may be different for everyone, but support is always available. Whether the changes have been slow or sudden, hearing health professionals are trained to listen and provide care that feels both practical and personal.
A full hearing test is quick, pain-free, and filled with helpful information. It creates a starting point for better hearing and, often, a better quality of life.