Conductive Hearing Loss

A problem in the outer or middle ear can lead to conductive hearing loss which stops sound from being passed through to the inner ear. This loss of hearing is usually the result of ear infections, fluid accumulation, blocked earwax, a ruptured eardrum or damaged middle ear bones (ossicles). Unlike sensorineural loss which occurs inside the ear, people with conductive hearing loss can often get treatment that can fix or reduce their hearing problems. In a lot of cases, the doctor may take out the blockage, heal the eardrum or treat any infections or fluid that has built up. Because inner ear and auditory nerve are not affected in conductive hearing loss, improvements in hearing can be seen once the cause is removed.

Causes of Conductive Hearing deafness:

Blockages:
Earwax impaction, foreign objects in the ear canal, or fluid buildup in the middle ear can block sound transmission.

Ear Infections:
Conditions like otitis media (middle ear infection) can cause fluid and inflammation, hindering sound conduction.

Damage:
A perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane) or damage to the ossicles (tiny bones in the middle ear) can impair sound transmission.

Congenital Issues:
Some individuals are born with structural abnormalities in the outer or middle ear that affect hearing.