What is conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss is one of the three main types of hearing loss, alongside sensorineural and mixed. It occurs when something blocks or reduces the movement of sound as it travels through the outer ear canal and the middle ear, before reaching the delicate inner ear. Because the inner ear itself is usually working normally, sounds tend to feel muffled or quieter rather than distorted.

What causes conductive hearing loss?

A wide range of everyday issues can interfere with how sound is conducted through the ear. In many cases the cause is temporary and can be addressed with the right care. Common causes include:

• A build-up of earwax blocking the ear canal
• Middle-ear infections (otitis media) or fluid behind the eardrum
• A perforated (torn) eardrum
• Problems with the small middle-ear bones, such as otosclerosis
• Eustachian tube dysfunction, often linked to colds, allergies or air pressure changes
• A foreign object lodged in the ear canal, which is more common in young children

Because these causes are so varied, a proper assessment is the only reliable way to know what is behind the change in your hearing.

How is it different from sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss involves the inner ear or hearing nerve and is usually permanent, whereas conductive hearing loss involves the outer or middle ear and is often reversible once the underlying cause is treated. Some people have a mix of both, which is called mixed hearing loss. During a hearing assessment, an audiologist can use tests such as tympanometry and bone-conduction testing to work out which part of the ear is affected, which helps guide the most appropriate options.

What does conductive hearing loss feel like?

People with conductive hearing loss often describe sounds as being turned down rather than distorted. Your own voice can seem to boom or echo inside your head, a sensation sometimes called occlusion, and you may feel a sense of blockage or pressure. Because the volume is reduced fairly evenly, many people find that once a sound is loud enough, they can understand speech reasonably well, which is different from the clarity problems more typical of inner-ear loss. Conductive hearing loss can occur at any age, from young children with middle-ear infections to older adults with wax build-up, and it may affect one or both ears. Some people notice it comes and goes, for example with a head cold or seasonal allergies, which is another reason it is worth having any lasting change looked at rather than assuming it will simply pass.

Can conductive hearing loss be treated?

In many cases, conductive hearing loss can improve significantly once the cause is managed. Removing earwax, treating an infection or allowing fluid to clear may restore hearing to its previous level. Where a structural issue is involved, a GP or ear specialist may discuss medical or surgical options. When conductive hearing loss cannot be fully resolved, hearing aids or bone-conduction devices can often help make sounds clearer and more comfortable. Every situation is different, so outcomes vary from person to person.

When should you get your hearing checked?

If your hearing suddenly changes, sounds become muffled, you notice ear pain, discharge, or a feeling of fullness, it is worth having it looked at promptly. Sudden hearing loss in particular should be assessed quickly, as timing can matter. A qualified audiologist can carry out a comprehensive hearing assessment and, where needed, refer you to a GP or specialist. At Hearing Help in Newport, near the Redcliffe Peninsula, you do not need a referral to book a hearing check, and an audiologist can explain clearly what type of hearing loss you may have and the options available to you.