What action should be performed if conductive hearing loss is suspected?

When conductive hearing loss is suspected, performing an otoscopy or referring the patient for further evaluation is critical. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the ossicles of the middle ear. This may be due to blockages, fluid in the middle ear, or abnormalities in the ear structure.

Otoscopy allows the clinician to visually inspect the ear canal and eardrum, which can reveal factors such as earwax buildup, perforation in the eardrum, or signs of infection—all of which are potential causes of conductive hearing loss. If the initial examination identifies an issue that requires specialized treatment or further diagnostic testing, a referral to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) would be the next appropriate step.

This proactive approach ensures that any underlying issues contributing to the hearing loss are properly identified and managed, maximizing the chances for restoring normal hearing and preventing further complications. Observing the condition without intervention may lead to the persistence or exacerbation of the hearing loss, while fitting hearing aids or scheduling routine follow-ups may not address the root cause of the conductive failure, thus delaying necessary treatment.