Conductive Hearing Loss: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
A clear guide to conductive hearing loss, covering causes, diagnosis and the medical and surgical treatment options.
Treatment usually begins with
Specialist Assessment
Hearing Test
Medical Management
Surgical Options
Many causes of conductive hearing loss are treatable, often restoring hearing significantly.
You may need this evaluated if...
A hearing evaluation is recommended when these signs appear:
- Muffled hearing, as if ears are blocked
- Hearing loss following an ear infection
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Hearing that improves temporarily then returns
Conductive hearing loss is frequently treatable, with many patients regaining significant hearing after treatment.
What is Conductive Hearing Loss?
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot pass efficiently through the outer or middle ear, often due to blockage, fluid or structural issues.
Often Treatable
Unlike sensorineural loss, many causes can be corrected medically or surgically.
Multiple Causes
Earwax blockage, fluid, infection and eardrum or bone issues can all be responsible.
Sometimes Temporary
Causes like earwax or fluid often resolve completely with treatment.
Surgical Options Available
Procedures like stapedectomy can restore hearing in select conditions.
Common Symptoms
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- A feeling of ear fullness or blockage
- Hearing loss following an ear infection or injury
- Difficulty hearing quiet sounds
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of medical, lifestyle and environmental factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A structured assessment confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the right treatment plan.
Ear Examination
A visual and microscopic examination checks for blockage or structural issues.
Hearing Test
Audiometry confirms the type and degree of hearing loss.
Tympanometry
Testing assesses how well the eardrum and middle ear are functioning.
Imaging
A CT scan may be used to evaluate bone-related causes in select cases.
Treatment Approaches
Medical Care
- Earwax removal when blockage is the cause
- Treatment of underlying ear infection or fluid
- Hearing aid fitting for causes not amenable to surgery
Surgical Care
Procedures such as tympanoplasty or stapedectomy correct structural causes of conductive hearing loss, chosen based on the specific underlying condition.
Treatment decisions are based on symptoms, test results, timing and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly is important for the best outcome.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing symptoms.
- Muffled hearing or ear fullness needing evaluation
- Hearing loss following an ear infection
Seek Urgent Care
Call for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Sudden hearing loss with severe ear pain or dizziness
Not Sure What You Need?
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