CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS

A disorder in which person`s ability to hear decreases is called conductive hearing loss. Common conductive hearing loss symptoms are troubles with normal speech and sounds perception. Conductive hearing loss treatment depends on the type of deafness and aims to recover and improve hearing as much as possible. Below we will review this condition and its treatment options in more detail.

Conductive hearing loss is a situation whereby there is little or no hearing ability in one or both ears.

It is a common occurrence to experience hearing loss as one gets older. Aging and chronic exposure to loud noises are two of the biggest factors that contribute to hearing loss. Other factors such as the build-up of excessive earwax is a temporary cause of hearing loss which prevents the ears from conducting sounds effectively.

TYPES OF HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss can be divided into two categories namely:

  • Conductive hearing loss: Problem develops from the middle ear which comprises of the eardrum.
  • Sensorineural hearing loss: Damage occurs in the inner ear which is made up of the cochlea and the hearing nerve.

IS CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS TREATABLE?

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is no efficient transfer of sound through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones (ossicles) of the middle ear. It can mostly be corrected by the use of medical treatment or surgery as described below.

CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS SYMPTOMS

  • Difficulty understanding phone conversations
  • Difficulty hearing above background noise
  • Having trouble following more than one conversation
  • Perception that people are mumbling
  • Ringing, hissing sounds in the ear

CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS TREATMENT OPTIONS

  • Removal of wax blockage: This is done by loosening the earwax using oil, flushing, scooping or suctioning out.
  • Surgery: This is necessary if a traumatic ear injury or repeated ear infections were experienced; this makes use of small tubes in the draining of fluids from the ear.
  • Hearing aids: Hearing aids can be recommended if the loss of hearing was experienced through damage of the inner ear. It is best to get this device from an audiologist so as to get the right fit for use.

    • Conductive hearing loss; conductive hearing loss symptoms; Conductive hearing loss treatment

DIAGNOSING CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS

  • Physical exam: An exam is carried out to determine the cause of hearing loss by the doctor, causes like inflammation or earwax build-up.
  • General screening tests: This test involves the covering of one ear at a tie to determine how well words are spoken at different volumes and the level of responsiveness to sounds in both ears.
  • Audiometer tests: Theses tests are more in-depth which are performed by an audiologist during which sounds are directed to one ear at a time from earphones.