Conductive hearing loss (CHL) is caused by the inability of sound to reach the inner ear. If the conduction of sound is blocked or inhibited on its way from the outer ear to the inner ear, this is called conductive hearing loss. Unlike conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is a permanent hearing impairment due to the damage or malformation of the cochlea or auditory nerve.
Conductive hearing loss can be caused by ear infections. External ear infections, also called swimmer's ear, can sometimes cause minor conductive hearing loss. Middle ear infections are a common cause of temporary depth of hearing loss especially in children.
A blockage of sound can be caused by fluid in the middle ear or a malfunctioning of the tiny bones of the middle ear that are called ossicles. Otosclerosis is a medical condition that causes the auditory ossicles to become rigid and not be able to transmit sound.
Glue ear is a blockage of the ear canal by trapped fluid. The degree of conductive hearing loss that is caused by glue ear depends on the thickness of the fluid. The fluid can be drained by physician.
The buildup of hard wax in the ear canal which forms a plug and blocks sound is called ceruminosis. A person can have the earwax plug removed by physician or use an ear wax removal kit.
The eardrum needs to be able to vibrate normally in order to pass sounds to the inner ear. Damage to the eardrum such as by an injury can cause conductive hearing loss. Injury to the eardrum typically heals on its own unless it is severe and require surgery.
Unlike sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss is a hearing loss that can be restored with medical treatment. A blocked ear canal can cause muffled hearing. A hearing loss caused by a blockage is restored after the blockage is removed.
People who develop hearing loss should seek prompt medical attention. A physician is likely to conduct an examination of the ears and a hearing test to determine the accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Prompt medical treatment may prevent a permanent hearing impairment.
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