Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss (CHL) is a type of hearing impairment that occurs when sound waves are unable to efficiently travel through the outer ear, tympanic membrane (eardrum), or middle ear structures such as the ossicles. This blockage or dysfunction prevents sound from being effectively conducted to the inner ear, resulting in reduced hearing ability. CHL can either impact one ear, called unilateral conductive hearing loss, or both ears, called bilateral conductive hearing loss. Common causes include ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, earwax buildup, damage to the eardrum, or abnormalities in the ossicles.

CHL can occur alone or alongside sensorineural hearing loss, in which case it is classified as mixed hearing loss. Diagnosis and testing of CHL can include ear exams, hearing tests, tympanometry tests, and/or imaging, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Depending on the underlying cause, CHL is often treatable and sometimes reversible through medical interventions, such as medication, surgery, or assistive devices like hearing aids. However, chronic or permanent cases may require long-term management to improve hearing and communication abilities.