Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are not sent to the inner ear correctly. This problem affects the outer or middle ear. It is the most common type of hearing loss in children. Conductive hearing loss is usually acquired. In many cases it can be surgically or medically corrected. Factors which cause conductive hearing loss can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired.

Congenital causes include anomalies of the:

Pinna (the outside of the ear).

Tympanic membrane (eardrum).

External ear canal.

Ossicles (3 tiny bones which deliver sound waves to the middle ear).

Acquired causes include:

Excessive wax.

Foreign bodies in the ear canal (like beads or popcorn kernels).

Tumours of the middle ear.

Problems with the eustachian tube.

Middle ear infections (otitis media).

Outer ear infections (otitis externa).

Perforation of the eardrum.

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