300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 355-6000 My Child Has: Sensorineural Hearing Loss Programs related to this topic Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program   Diagnostic Audiology Program   What are the different types of hearing loss? Hearing loss can be categorized by many different types. Two types of hearing loss are sensorineural and conductive. Both types of hearing loss can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. What is sensorineural hearing loss? Sensorineural hearing loss is a loss of function within the inner ear or with the connection to the brain. Causes of this type of hearing loss include: congenital factors - conditions present at birth, such as: infection by the mother with toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, or syphilis genetic factors and syndromes the child has at birth low birthweight hereditary - in the family acquired loud noise exposure trauma infections damage from certain medications that can be harmful to the ears The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.