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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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