What can cause conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not effectively transmitted through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones in the middle ear. Cerumen impaction, or earwax buildup, is a common cause of conductive hearing loss. When excessive earwax obstructs the ear canal, it can prevent sound waves from reaching the eardrum, leading to a reduction in hearing sensitivity. This condition is usually treatable by safely removing the impaction, which can restore hearing.

In contrast, age-related degeneration affects the inner ear structures, which may lead to sensorineural hearing loss rather than conductive hearing issues. Trauma to the auditory nerve can also lead to sensorineural hearing loss, as this type of hearing loss involves damage to the inner ear or neural pathways. Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve (which transmits sound and balance information) and can lead to sensorineural hearing loss, rather than affecting the conductive pathways directly. Therefore, the correct identification of cerumen impaction as a cause of conductive hearing loss highlights the difference in types of hearing loss and reinforces the importance of proper ear canal hygiene and management in preserving hearing health.