Conduction hearing loss

Conduction Hearing Loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem conducting sound waves anywhere along the route through the outer ear, tympanic membrane (eardrum), or middle ear (ossicles). This condition can result in a reduction of sound level or the ability to hear faint sounds. However, in most cases, the quality of the sound itself is not affected. Conduction hearing loss differs from sensorineural hearing loss, which occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain.

Causes

Conduction hearing loss can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Earwax blockages
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Perforated eardrum
• Fluid in the ear
• Abnormal bone growths or tumors
• Otosclerosis, a disease that stiffens the small bones in the middle ear
• Congenital absence or malformation of the ear canal or middle ear structures

Symptoms

Symptoms of conduction hearing loss may include:

• Muffled hearing
• Difficulty hearing soft sounds
• Ear pain
• A sensation of fullness in the ear
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of conduction hearing loss involves a series of tests conducted by an audiologist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. These tests may include:

• Pure tone audiometry
• Tympanometry
• Acoustic reflex testing
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)

Treatment

Treatment for conduction hearing loss depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Removal of earwax
• Medication or surgery for otitis media
• Surgical repair of the eardrum or ossicles
• Hearing aids
• Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) for those who cannot wear traditional hearing aids

Prevention

Some forms of conduction hearing loss can be prevented by:

• Avoiding insertion of objects into the ear
• Treating middle ear infections promptly
• Protecting ears from excessive noise to prevent other types of hearing loss

See Also

• Audiology
• Hearing aid
• Otolaryngology