Conductive Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Did you know that there are different types of hearing loss? Among them is conductive hearing loss, which occurs when damage to the outer or middle ear results in auditory impairment. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this condition.

What is Conductive Hearing Loss?

Conductive hearing loss is a specific type of hearing impairment that occurs when there is a blockage or damage in the outer or middle ear, creating an obstacle for sound waves from reaching the inner ear. Fortunately, this type of hearing loss is often temporary and can be treated.

Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss

Ear Infections: Middle ear infections, also known as otitis media, can cause conductive hearing loss. These infections can occur due to fluid buildup or inflammation in the middle ear. The presence of infection or fluid can interfere with the ability of the middle ear to transmit sound waves to the inner ear.
Earwax Buildup: When earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can block sound waves from reaching the middle ear. This can result in muffled or reduced hearing. Regular cleaning of the ears can help prevent excessive earwax buildup and maintain clear hearing.
Perforated Eardrum: A hole or tear in the eardrum can disrupt the normal hearing process and cause conductive hearing loss.
Ear Canal Blockage: Objects lodged in the ear canal, such as foreign bodies or tumors, can obstruct sound waves and result in hearing loss.
Abnormal Bone Growth: Conditions like otosclerosis, where there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, can interfere with sound conduction.

Symptoms of Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss can have several symptoms that indicate a problem with the middle ear. These symptoms include a feeling of ear fullness and pressure, muffled hearing, ear pain or discomfort, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), and drainage from the ear.

Diagnosis for Conductive Hearing Loss

If you have hearing difficulties, seek medical assistance to identify the underlying cause. To diagnose conductive hearing loss, an otolaryngologist will perform a thorough medical assessment, examination of the ear, audiometry tests, and, possibly, imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI. By determining the cause of the issue, suitable treatment options can be recommended to address the condition effectively.

How is Conductive Hearing Loss Treated?

Treatment of conductive hearing loss depends on the underlying cause and severity. Some common treatment options include:

Ear wax removal.
Medications such as antibiotics or corticosteroids.
Hearing aids and amplification devices to amplify sound in patients in which medications or surgery cannot correct. These devices make it easier for individuals to communicate and engage in daily activities. Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, different types of hearing aids may be recommended, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) devices.
Assistive listening devices are designed to help individuals with conductive hearing loss to improve their hearing in specific environments, such as group gatherings or watching television. Some common types of assistive listening devices include personal amplifiers, FM systems, and loop systems.
Bone conduction devices transmit sound vibrations through the bones of the skull, bypassing the outer or middle ear, and stimulating the inner ear directly.
Surgery may be an option when medical treatments fail to effectively treat conductive hearing loss. These procedures aim to restore the functionality of the middle or outer ear. Examples of surgical interventions include tympanoplasty, in which a torn eardrum is repaired, and ossicular chain reconstruction, which involves replacing or repairing damaged bones in the middle ear. In some cases, surgical implants such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a middle ear implant may be considered as well.

Surgery for Conductive Hearing Loss

There are several surgical management options available for conductive hearing loss, depending on the underlying cause. Below are the common surgical interventions:

Ear Tube Insertion (Tympanostomy): Ear tube insertion is the most common procedure performed for conductive hearing loss in both pediatric and adult patients. It involves placing small ventilation tubes in the eardrum to equalize pressure, improve ventilation, and prevent fluid accumulation in the middle ear. This procedure is commonly performed in cases of chronic ear infections or persistent fluid build-up.
Tympanoplasty: Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated eardrum. A graft is taken from another part of the body or a synthetic material is used to close the hole in the eardrum, restoring its integrity and improving hearing.
Ossiculoplasty: Ossiculoplasty (ossicular chain reconstruction) is a procedure that aims to repair or reconstruct the tiny bones (ossicles) in the middle ear that may be damaged or missing. This surgery can involve replacing a damaged ossicle with an artificial prosthesis or reshaping and repositioning existing ossicles to improve sound transmission.
Stapedectomy: Stapedectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis, a condition where the stapes bone becomes fixed and cannot vibrate properly. During the procedure, the fixed stapes bone is removed and replaced with a prosthesis, allowing for better sound transmission.