What is conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound can't get to your inner ear. Various things might lead to this, such as ear infections, obstructions and problems with the ear's structure. Because of this, loud noises may become dull, and you might be unable to hear quiet sounds. This condition has also been known by other names: conductive hearing impairment or conduction deafness.

Although it is more common in children, conductive hearing loss can also occur in adults. It ranges from moderate to severe and can be either transient or permanent. Most of the time, it can be reversed with treatment.

What are the types of conductive hearing loss?

There are two kinds of conductive hearing impairment:

Unilateral conductive hearing loss: One ear is affected.
Bilateral conductive hearing loss: Both ears are affected.

What are the signs and symptoms of conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss symptoms can include:

Balance problems (caused by troubles with your inner ear's vestibular system)
Ear pain
Ear pressure
Ear popping or ringing
Muffled hearing in one or both ears
Noticing that your own voice sounds louder

What causes conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound can't reach your cochlea. Your cochlea is the part of your inner ear responsible for hearing.

There are several reasons why sound may not reach your inner ear. The following are some causes of conductive hearing loss:

Stuck objects that cause blockage
Ear infections (most commonly chronic)
Ear tumors, cysts or other growths such as cholesteatoma
Excess earwax
Disorder of the Eustachian tube
Cold-related fluid in your middle ear
Otosclerosis (unnatural bone growth in your ear)
Perforated eardrum

Among children, the most common causes of conductive hearing loss include chronic ear infections and foreign objects in the ear canal. In adults, conductive hearing loss is usually a result of an ear injury or health condition.

What are the risk factors for conductive hearing loss?

The following conditions could cause permanent hearing impairment if left untreated:

Ear abnormalities: The following conditions could cause permanent hearing impairment if left untreated:
Recurring ear infections: Persistent fluid collection in the middle ear can raise the risk for conductive hearing loss.
Structural damage: A blow to your ear or otosclerosis may damage your ossicles (three small bones in your ear that assist you in hearing).

How is conductive hearing loss diagnosed?

A medical professional (most often an otolaryngologist) will perform a physical exam. They'll ask you about your symptoms and history during this visit. They may also ask you such questions as:

When did you begin to lose your hearing?
Was the loss sudden or gradual?
Is one ear worse than the other?
Do you have a history of ear infections?
Do you experience any ear pain, pressure or ringing in the ears?
Do any of your family members have hearing loss due to genetics?

Your doctor will examine the outside of your ear and the area around it. Then, using a lighted tool known as an otoscope, they'll examine the inside of your ear, checking for any blockage or buildup and structural issues.

What test is used to diagnose conductive hearing loss?

Following a physical examination, an otolaryngologist or audiologist will have to perform some hearing tests, which might include:

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs): The stapedial muscle, a small muscle in the middle ear, is tested for rigidity when you hear loud noises using the acoustic reflex.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs): Directs sound into your inner ear and assists in identifying what kind of hearing loss you have.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs): Tests for vibrations in your inner ear related to sound and may indicate if you have a blockage.
Pure-tone audiometry: Measures the softest sounds you can hear at various frequencies.
Speech audiometry: Assess your ability to recognize words and measure the quietest speech that you can repeat.
Tuning fork tests: These tests determine whether you have conductive or sensorineural hearing loss (e.g., the Rinne test and Weber's test).
Tympanometry: Demonstrates the efficiency of movement of your eardrum upon sounds.

In addition to hearing exams, your physician may need to conduct a:

Head and neck examination
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT (computed tomography scan)

Which treatments are available for conductive hearing loss?

The following procedures may be used to treat conductive hearing loss, depending on your particular situation:

Active surveillance: Your doctor will begin with "watchful waiting." That is, they'll monitor your hearing loss for a period of time. If it gets worse, they'll create a treatment plan.
Hearing aids: Hearing aids and other listening devices can amplify and modify sounds so you can better hear them.
Medications: If an infection or other condition causes conductive hearing loss, you may require medication. Your provider can prescribe ear drops or pills.
Surgery: If a cyst, tumor, or other type of growth prevents sound from reaching your inner ear, a surgeon may need to remove it. Surgery can also fix damaged ossicles (the tiny bones within your ear).

Can conductive hearing loss be prevented?

You can't always avoid conductive hearing loss, particularly if an abnormal growth of bone or a structural problem within your ear is the cause for it. But you can minimize your risk by doing the following:

Do not insert anything into your ear canal, such as cotton swabs.
Treat an ear infection quickly.
Have your health care provider check your hearing regularly.

What is the prognosis of individuals with conductive hearing loss?

The prognosis is good with treatment. Medication, hearing aids or surgery can correct or improve most cases of conductive hearing loss.

When should I see my doctor?

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

Hearing loss that worsens
Sudden hearing loss (particularly in one ear)
Symptoms other than hearing loss, such as ear pain, headaches, numbness or weakness

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you have conductive hearing loss, the following are some questions you may consider asking your doctor:

What kind of treatment will I require?
What are the outcomes of treatment?
How often will I require follow-up care?
Could my hearing get progressively worse?
What resources do you suggest?

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for conductive hearing loss treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm is the best hospital for Conductive Hearing Loss Treatment in Lucknow, India. We have experienced team of ENT specialists provide advanced diagnostics, customised treatment plans including medication, hearing aids, or surgery, and compassionate care for children and adults with hearing impairment caused by infections, obstructions, or ear structure issues.