Conductive hearing loss
What is a conductive hearing loss? – Definition of a conductive hearing loss
A conductive hearing loss is a hearing loss where the ear’s ability to conduct sound from the outer ear and middle ear into the inner ear is blocked or reduced. In other words, a conductive hearing loss is when the cause of the hearing loss is to be found in the process of conducting sound from the outer ear through the middle ear into the inner ear.
A conductive hearing loss can have different degrees: mild, moderate, severe or profound.
You can have a conductive hearing loss in just one ear (unilateral hearing loss) or in both ears (bilateral hearing loss).
Difference between a conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss
A conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that differs from a sensorineural hearing loss, where the causes of the hearing loss are found in the inner ear.
What are the symptoms of conductive hearing loss?
A conductive hearing loss reduces the ability to hear at a normal hearing level. The symptoms of a conductive hearing loss are therefore partial or full loss of hearing. The hearing loss can be in one ear or both ears. If a conductive hearing loss occurs suddenly or the hearing is reduced more and more over a short time, you should see a doctor to get your ears examined.
A diagnosis of a conductive hearing loss is often made by an ENT-doctor or another hearing professional by carrying out a hearing test and other tests and examinations of the ear.
Conductive hearing loss on an audiogram
The results of the hearing test are presented in an audiogram. The specific conductive hearing loss can be illustrated in the audiogram. The audiogram will show the degree of the hearing loss and which frequencies are affected by the conductive hearing loss by showing the hearing levels at different frequencies in both ears.
Read more on how to read an audiogram.
What are the treatment options for conductive hearing loss?
Is conductive hearing loss curable? Can a conductive hearing loss be treated? Yes, in most cases a conductive hearing loss can be either cured or treated.
The main treatments for conductive hearing loss are:
- Medical treatment
- Hearing instruments such as hearing aids or hearing implants such as e.g., bone conduction devices
- Surgery
Most cases of conductive hearing loss are temporary and are cured by means of appropriate medical treatments, so it is important to seek immediate medical assistance.
Other types of conductive hearing losses can be treated with hearing aids or types of hearing implants.
Finally, some types of conductive hearing loss can be treated through surgery.
What causes conductive hearing loss?
Can ear wax cause hearing loss? Yes, one of the most common causes of conductive hearing loss is a blockage in the external ear canal, usually caused by wax (excessive cerumen).
A conductive hearing loss can also be caused by malformation or malfunction of parts of the ear or damage to the outer ear or middle ear. This can be infections of the ear canal, a perforated or ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane), 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. Otosclerosis, which is an abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear, can also cause a conductive hearing loss.
What should I do if I have a conductive hearing loss?
If you think that you might have a conductive hearing loss, you should see your family doctor or a hearing professional.
If you have a problem with your outer ear, do not try to do anything about it yourself. Rather, you should seek medical assistance.