Types of hearing loss: Conductive

A conductive hearing loss occurs when an obstruction or physical abnormality prevents sound from reaching the inner ear. Common symptoms of conductive hearing loss include:

1. A feeling of fullness or pressure.

2. Pain.

3. Your own voice sounds hollow or like it is reverberating.

4. Tinnitus (often a low pitch humming or buzzing, but can include all pitches).

5. Difficulty hearing.

Many instances of conductive hearing loss occur in one ear only, which means the above symptoms will usually occur in one ear. That being said, sometimes conductive hearing loss affects both ears. So, what are the causes of conductive hearing loss?

1. A buildup of earwax.

2. Pressure in the middle ear.

3. Fluid buildup in the middle ear.

4. Infection of the outer or middle ear.

5. Otosclerosis, which is a fusion of the tiny bones of the middle ear, stopping them from conducting sound properly.

6. Damage to the eardrum, such as a perforation.

7. Cholesteatoma, which is a non-cancerous skin growth in the middle ear.

Fortunately, most instances of conductive hearing loss are reversible with proper medical intervention. For example, clearing the wax, or treating an ear infection will result in a clearing of symptoms if these are the causes. For fluid that doesn't clear up on its own, an Ear Nose and Throat specialist will often insert a tube to drain it.

No matter the cause, if you are experiencing symptoms of conductive hearing loss, the first step is to have a hearing evaluation to identify the problem and find the right solution. For more information please contact Accurate Hearing at one of our convenient locations below.

Lower Sackville: 902-252-3004

Cole Harbour: 902-406-4327