Someone who is suffering from conductive hearing loss has trouble hearing due to a problem in their ear’s ability to conduct sound waves. This type of hearing loss can come from an obstruction in the ear canal, but also from a congenital absence or malformation in the ear. Several forms of conductive hearing loss can be treated, allowing the patient to experience normal hearing.
Numerous hereditary issues can cause conductive hearing loss. To illustrate, a person may be born with an ear canal that isn’t fully open, or their ear canal might not have developed at all. Components within the ear may be malformed, curtailing normal hearing. In certain situations these challenges can be addressed via surgery. Hearing aids may treat others. Conductive hearing loss is not often a result of congenital issues.
Among the more frequent causes of conductive hearing loss is a buildup of wax or fluid in the outer ear. Wax buildup and infections of the ear can decrease a person’s hearing ability. Prescription antibiotics can help to clear up ear infections, while a simple cleaning can be enough to address a buildup of wax.
Conductive hearing loss may also be a result of buildup in the middle ear. This problem is most often attributable to fluid accumulation. Frequently a result of ear infections, this problem is widespread in children. The common cold and allergies can cause sinus pressure, which in turn may put pressure on the inner ear and interfere with a person’s ability to hear. Tumors in the middle ear can also be responsible for conductive hearing loss, but this condition is much less common.
Other troubles may cause conductive hearing loss, including foreign bodies in the ear canal and perforated eardrums. Conductive hearing loss commonly happens on its own, but it can coincide with other types of hearing loss. Talk to a hearing care specialist without delay if you encounter any unexplained hearing loss. Oftentimes full hearing can be restored with proper treatment.