As the name suggests, conductive hearing loss derives from a deficit in the ability to conduct sound from the outer ear into the inner ear. Thus, a problem can affect this conduction of sound from the outer ear into the middle ear.
Otosclerosis
Thought to be a genetic disorder, otosclerosis causes the bones involved with hearing and of the inner ear to be resorbed and replaced.
Ossicular Discontinuity
As the conduction of sound from the outer ear to the inner ear is dependent on the bones of hearing or ossicles, a disruption of the ossicles will result in conductive hearing loss.
Otitis Media— Middle Ear Infections
An infection affecting the middle ear, or the area behind the ear drum, can produce a conductive hearing loss. The treatment of otitis media is with antibiotics, or a myringotomy can be done.
Ear Drum Perforation
An ear drum perforation can result from ear infection, through trauma, or from its failure to close after a ventilation tube for the ear drum comes out. It results in a problem conducting sound to the inner ear and also predisposes one to getting ear infections.
Congenital Aural Atresia
Cerumen Impaction
Cerumin is 'ear wax.' Where one has a narrow ear canal or the cerumin has a lesser lubricating quality, it accumulates in your ear canal, potentially impeding the conduction of sound to your ear canal.
