About Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the outer and/or middle part of the ear fail to work properly. Sounds become "blocked" and are not carried all the way to the inner ear (where hearing is still normal).

Possible causes of a conductive loss include:

  • a buildup of fluid in the middle ear
  • wax in the ear canal
  • puncturing of the eardrum
  • problems or injury to the bones or membrane — which carry sound from the external ear through the middle ear to the inner ear.

Conductive hearing loss can be easier to remedy than sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. It is usually treatable with either medical or surgical intervention. In cases where medical/surgical intervention is not an option, a hearing aid can be very helpful.

Types of hearing loss