Which type of hearing loss is predominantly treated with hearing aids?

Sensorineural hearing loss is predominantly treated with hearing aids because it involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways. In this type of hearing loss, the hair cells in the cochlea might be damaged or missing, affecting the ability to transmit sound signals to the brain correctly. Hearing aids amplify the sounds, making it easier for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss to hear and process sounds despite the damage.

While conductive hearing loss (which involves problems with the outer or middle ear) can sometimes be treated with hearing aids, it is often addressed through medical or surgical interventions since it may be due to blockages or structural issues that can be corrected. Mixed hearing loss contains elements of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, meaning treatment may depend on the extent and type of each component. Auditory processing disorder affects the brain's ability to understand and interpret sounds, which is typically not treated with hearing aids, as the fundamental auditory mechanism is intact but impaired in processing. In summary, hearing aids are primarily effective for sensorineural hearing loss due to their design to amplify sounds and enhance clarity in individuals with neural or hair cell damage.