Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the ability to conduct sound from the external and middle ear into the inner ear is lost.

Conductive hearing loss is the inability of sound to be conducted to the inner ear. Most cases of conductive hearing loss are temporary and are cured by means of appropriate medical treatment, so it is important to seek immediate medical assistance. One of the most common causes is a blockage in the external ear canal, usually caused by wax (excessive cerum). Other causes in the outer ear can be infections of the ear canal, a perforated or ruptured eardrum, very small ears, cysts and tumours, or foreign objects in the ear canal. In the middle ear conductive hearing loss occurs due to chronic middle ear infections or glue ear, where fluids fill up the middle ear, so that the eardrum cannot move. Conductive hearing loss can also be caused by diseases, damage and physical changes in the middle ear such as otosclerosis, cholesteatoma, tumours and otic barotrauma. If you have a problem with your outer ear, do not try to do anything about it yourself. Rather, you should seek medical assistance.