Conductive

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

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

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

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

• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Mixed hearing loss
• Hearing loss
• Audiology

Conductive Resources
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