What is Conductive Hearing Loss?
What is Conductive Hearing Loss
There are many types of hearing loss. It can be hard to know which type affects you without a hearing test from an expert.
Your ear is comprised of three sections: the outer, middle, and inner ear. When sound can’t reach you’re inner ear, you’re experiencing conductive hearing loss. This occurs when the external or middle ear is blocked.
Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss
This type of hearing loss occurs when sound waves can’t pass through the Outer and Middle Ear and reach the cochlea. These causes of conductive hearing loss prevent the inner ear from processing sounds as it should.
- Fluid build-up in the middle ear
- Eustachian tube issues
- Inner ear infections
- Swimmers ear
- Ruptured eardrum
- Excess earwax
- Bony lesions
- Foreign object in ear
- Congenital issues
Symptoms of Conductive Hearing Loss
The signs of conductive hearing loss you experience depend on what is causing it. However, there are some general symptoms for you to look out for:
- Ear pain or pressure
- Muffled or distorted hearing
- Ears popping
- Your voice sounds louder
Conductive hearing loss can affect one ear or both ears. This means it can be unilateral or bilateral.
What is the Difference Between Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Loss
While conductive hearing loss prevents sounds from reaching the inner ear, it is not caused by damage to the inner ear. Inner ear hearing loss due to damage is called sensorineural hearing loss. When you experience both simultaneously, that’s called mixed hearing loss.
Understanding the differences between types of hearing loss can help you find the best treatment option for you.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
It’s essential to schedule a hearing evaluation with an audiologist so they can determine if your hearing loss is conductive. There might be a physical exam to check for blockages or foreign objects. They will also perform hearing tests, including audiometric tests like the bone conduction test, which sends sounds straight to the inner ear. Your hearing loss must be monitored to see if it worsens over time. If an infection or growth is causing your conductive hearing loss, they’ll recommend medication or surgery to restore your hearing. If your conductive hearing loss has not been resolved, you may need hearing aids to hear normally.
