What type of hearing loss can abnormalities of the inner ear cause?

Inner ear abnormalities primarily lead to sensory/neural hearing loss, which arises from damage to the cochlea or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is an issue with the way the inner ear processes sound or transmits auditory signals to the brain. The sensory components, including hair cells within the cochlea, are essential for converting sound waves into electrical signals that the auditory nerve transmits to the brain. When any part of this system is compromised due to abnormalities, it results in a reduced ability to hear or process sounds, characterizing sensory/neural hearing loss.

In contrast, other types of hearing loss, such as conductive, arise from problems in the outer or middle ear preventing sound waves from properly reaching the inner ear. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensory/neural components. Central hearing loss refers to issues in the central auditory pathways or the brain, separating it further from the specific issues caused by inner ear abnormalities. Hence, sensory/neural hearing loss is directly linked to problems within the inner ear, making it the correct choice.