A person who suffers from conductive hearing loss has trouble hearing due to a problem with their ear’s capacity to conduct sound waves. This can be attributable to a congenital malformation or absence of the ear or because of a blockage in the ear canal. In many cases conductive hearing loss is treatable, completely restoring normal hearing.
Conductive hearing loss may be caused by one of many congenital problems. For instance, a person may be born with an unopened ear canal, or their ear canal may not have developed at all. Normal hearing can be hindered by a deformation in inner ear components. In certain situations these issues can be addressed with surgery. Others are best treated with a hearing aid. Conductive hearing loss attributable to congenital issues is less frequent than other causes.
One of the more common causes of conductive hearing loss is an accumulation of wax or fluid in the outer ear. Hearing ability can be adversely impacted by ear wax buildup and ear infections. Prescription antibiotics resolve ear infections, while a simple washing may be adequate to address a buildup of ear wax.
Buildup in the middle ear may also be responsible for conductive hearing loss. The most frequent reason for this problem is fluid accumulation. Frequently attributable to ear infections, this problem is common in kids. The common cold and allergies may cause sinus pressure, which then exerts pressure on the inner ear and interfere with a person’s hearing. A uncommon reason for hearing loss in the middle ear is tumors.
Perforated eardrums or foreign bodies in the ear canal are other problems that may cause conductive hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss ordinarily happens on its own, but it can overlap with other types of hearing loss. If you or a loved one are experiencing unexplained hearing loss, consult with a hearing care specialist. Ability to hear can often be fully recovered with the appropriate treatment.