Conductive hearing loss (CHL) is caused by the inability of sound to reach the inner ear. If the conduction of sound is blocked or inhibited on its way from the outer ear to the inner ear, this is called conductive hearing loss. Unlike conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is a permanent hearing impairment due to the damage or malformation of the cochlea or auditory nerve.

Hearing loss that is twenty-six to forty decibels is considered mild hearing loss. A hearing loss of at least sixteen decibels but less than twenty-six decibels is categorized as slight hearing loss. Mild hearing loss is often left untreated though it can usually be vastly improved with the use of hearing aids.

Powered by a small hearing aid battery, an electrical device that is worn on or in the ear and used to treat hearing loss is called a hearing aid. Kerry needs help people with hearing loss by amplifying sounds to a level that the person can hear. Hearing aids help people with hearing loss be able to communicate better and participate in activities that require hearing.