What is conductive hearing loss?
Sound wave roadblocks
Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear.
The inner ear is responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain and, if this process is hindered, it can result in difficulty hearing.
Different from sensorineural hearing loss, which indicates an issue with the inner ear, conductive hearing loss can result from something as simple as earwax to more pressing issues, such as damage to the eardrum.
Depending on the cause, most cases of conductive hearing loss can be treated and, in some cases, completely resolved.
Book an appointment with one of our hearing centers to get your hearing tested for conductive hearing loss.
Causes
Getting to the root of the problem
- A blockage caused by impacted earwax
- Infection or fluid build-up in the middle or outer ear
- The use of foreign objects in the ear, such as cotton swabs
- Damage or a hole in the eardrum
- Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear (otosclerosis)
- Benign tumors
- Eustachian tube issues
- Structural problems with the outer or middle ear
Signs and symptoms
Recognizing conductive hearing loss
If you’re experiencing conductive hearing loss, the specific symptoms you encounter are highly dependent on the cause of your hearing loss.
When it comes to conductive hearing loss, common signs and symptoms include:
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Muffled hearing, making it sound like people are mumbling
- A gradual or sudden loss of hearing
- Drainage from the ear
- Pain in the ear
- Problems hearing quiet sounds, such as whispering, rustling leaves, distant traffic, the hum of electronic devices or the subtle sounds of nature
Conductive hearing loss audiogram
Decoding your online hearing test results
Conductive hearing loss audiograms will generally show greater hearing loss in low-frequency ranges, such as subwoofers in a sound system, thunder, large animal noises and diesel engines, as conductive hearing loss tends to affect lower frequencies rather than higher ones. It’s also often symmetrical, meaning it affects both ears.
To identify conductive hearing loss, you can test for two thresholds: air conduction thresholds, which use a signal sent through the air, and bone conduction thresholds, which are determined through mechanical vibration sent directly to the inner ear. An air-bone gap would indicate a conductive hearing loss. This means the bone conduction thresholds will be normal, but air conduction thresholds will be elevated.
The red line with the O shows the right ear and the blue one with the X shows the left ear.
Book an appointment with one of our hearing centers to get your hearing tested for conductive hearing loss.
Prevention
Simple steps to protect your hearing
While some causes of conductive hearing loss may not be preventable, such as bone growth or structural issues, there are ways to take care of your hearing and prevent damage.
Avoid sticking any foreign objects in your ears, such as cotton swabs.
If you believe earwax build-up may be causing hearing issues, contact a doctor or Hearing Care Professional. Earplugs or earmuffs can also protect your eardrums from physical damage caused by sudden loud noises.
Treatment
Start hearing better today
If you’re experiencing hearing loss, contact a Hearing Care Professional. A hearing test and evaluation will be done to determine your type of hearing loss, extent of hearing loss and what may be causing it.
If conductive hearing loss is determined, there are various types of treatment. Simple earwax build-up or a foreign object in the ear can be removed and hearing will generally be restored. Other causes of conductive hearing loss may require surgery or, if hearing can’t be restored, hearing aids can be a great way to get back your hearing health.
Conductive hearing loss: FAQ
Is conductive hearing loss permanent?
However, other causes, such as damage to the ear bones or abnormalities in the ear structure, can result in a permanent conductive hearing loss.
Is conductive hearing loss serious?
In some cases, conductive hearing loss may also indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.
How can you test for conductive hearing loss?
What is a Rinne test?
During the test, a vibrating tuning fork is placed first on the mastoid bone behind the ear and then in front of the ear canal.
A person with normal hearing will hear the sound louder when the tuning fork is held in front of the ear, while a person with conductive hearing loss will hear the sound louder when the tuning fork is held against the mastoid bone.
What is the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss?
Conductive hearing loss can often be treated or resolved, while sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent.
Do hearing aids help conductive hearing loss?
However, in some cases, surgical intervention may also be necessary to correct the underlying cause of the conductive hearing loss.
How is conductive hearing loss represented on an audiogram?
This is because conductive hearing loss often affects the ability to hear low-frequency sounds.
What does conductive hearing loss feel like?
Conductive hearing loss can feel like there is a blockage or pressure in the ear, and sounds may seem muffled or distorted.
People with conductive hearing loss may also have difficulty hearing in noisy environments or understanding speech, particularly at lower volumes.
