Which type of hearing loss is often due to exposure to loud noise?

Sensorineural hearing loss is often associated with exposure to loud noise because it results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve pathways that send signals to the brain. This type of hearing loss can occur gradually over time with repeated exposure to high decibel levels, leading to the degeneration of hair cells in the cochlea. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate, resulting in permanent hearing impairment.

In contrast, conductive hearing loss primarily involves problems in the outer or middle ear that obstruct the passage of sound waves, such as ear infections or earwax blockage. Pseudohypacusis refers to a false or exaggerated claim of hearing loss and does not involve any physical damage. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural components, and while exposure to loud noise can lead to the sensorineural aspect, it does not specifically correspond to the element of conductive loss. Thus, sensorineural hearing loss is the most directly linked to noise exposure.