Conductive

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when the ability to conduct sound from the outer ear and middle ear into the inner ear is impaired. This can be caused by a number of factors, including blockage in the ear canal, damage to the ear drum, or problems with the bones in the middle ear.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Conductive hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors. These can include:

  • Ear infections: These can cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, preventing sound from being conducted properly.
  • Earwax blockage: A build-up of earwax in the ear canal can prevent sound from reaching the middle ear.
  • Otosclerosis: This is a condition where the bones in the middle ear become stiff, preventing them from conducting sound effectively.
  • Cholesteatoma: This is a skin growth that occurs in the middle ear, often as a result of chronic ear infection.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of conductive hearing loss can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. However, common symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty hearing soft sounds
  • Sounds may seem muffled
  • Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
  • Ear pain or discomfort
  • Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for conductive hearing loss will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. This can include:

  • Medication: If the hearing loss is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to correct a problem with the bones in the middle ear or to remove a cholesteatoma.
  • Hearing aids: These devices can help to amplify sound and make it easier for the person to hear.

See also[edit | edit source]

Conductive Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD