Cond

Conductive Hearing Loss
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hearing loss, ear fullness
Complications	Social isolation, communication difficulties
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Ear infections, earwax blockage, otosclerosis
Risks
Diagnosis	Audiometry, tympanometry
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Hearing aids, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths	N/A

Conductive Hearing Loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem conducting sound waves anywhere along the route through the outer ear, tympanic membrane (eardrum), or middle ear (ossicles). This condition can affect one or both ears and can occur at any age.

Causes

Conductive hearing loss can result from a variety of conditions that affect the outer or middle ear. Common causes include:

• Earwax blockage: Accumulation of cerumen can block the ear canal, preventing sound waves from reaching the eardrum.
• Otitis media: Inflammation or infection of the middle ear can lead to fluid accumulation, which impedes sound conduction.
• Otosclerosis: Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear can fixate the stapes bone, reducing its ability to transmit sound vibrations.
• Eardrum perforation: A hole or tear in the tympanic membrane can disrupt the normal transmission of sound.
• Cholesteatoma: An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum can erode the ossicles and other structures.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of conductive hearing loss is a reduction in the ability to hear faint sounds. Other symptoms may include:

• A sensation of ear fullness or pressure
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
• Otalgia, or ear pain, especially if an infection is present
• Difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of conductive hearing loss involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, including:

• Otoscopy: Visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum to check for blockages or abnormalities.
• Audiometry: Hearing tests to determine the type and degree of hearing loss.
• Tympanometry: A test that measures the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure, helping to identify middle ear problems.

Treatment

Treatment for conductive hearing loss depends on the underlying cause:

• Earwax removal: Manual removal or use of ear drops to dissolve wax.
• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections causing otitis media.
• Surgery: Procedures such as myringotomy or stapedectomy may be necessary for chronic conditions like otosclerosis or cholesteatoma.
• Hearing aids: Devices that amplify sound can be beneficial for those with persistent hearing loss.

Prognosis

The prognosis for conductive hearing loss varies depending on the cause. Many cases are reversible with appropriate treatment, especially those due to earwax blockage or infections. However, conditions like otosclerosis may require surgical intervention for improvement.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Regular ear hygiene to prevent wax buildup
• Prompt treatment of ear infections
• Avoiding insertion of foreign objects into the ear canal

See also

• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Mixed hearing loss
• Audiology