Conductive hearing impairment

Conductive hearing impairment is a type of hearing loss that occurs when the transmission of sound from the external ear, through the middle ear to the inner ear is blocked or reduced. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including blockage of the ear canal, damage to the eardrum, or problems with the bones of the middle ear.

Causes

Conductive hearing impairment can be caused by a number of factors. These include:

• Ear infections: These can cause swelling and fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can block sound transmission.
• Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and prevent sound from reaching the eardrum.
• Otosclerosis: This is a condition where the bones in the middle ear become stiff and less effective at transmitting sound.
• Cholesteatoma: This is a skin growth that occurs in the middle ear behind the eardrum.
• Perforated eardrum: A hole or tear in the eardrum can prevent it from vibrating in response to sound waves.

Symptoms

The symptoms of conductive hearing impairment can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. They may include:

• Difficulty hearing soft sounds
• Muffled hearing
• Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Pain in the ear
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear

Treatment

Treatment for conductive hearing impairment depends on the cause of the condition. It may include:

• Medications: Antibiotics may be used to treat ear infections, and decongestants may be used to reduce swelling in the middle ear.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damage to the eardrum or bones of the middle ear, or to remove a cholesteatoma.
• Hearing aids: These devices can amplify sound and make it easier for the person to hear.

See also

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