What type of hearing loss is caused by issues in the outer or middle ear?

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss can result from various issues, such as ear infections, fluid build-up, perforated eardrums, or obstructions like earwax. In this scenario, sound waves are unable to be transmitted efficiently, leading to a decrease in hearing ability.

Sensorineural hearing loss, which is associated with damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, is not relevant in this case since it does not pertain to problems in the outer or middle ear. Tinnitus refers to the perception of noise or ringing in the ears and is not a type of hearing loss itself. Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss, generally caused by degeneration of the inner ear and auditory pathways, rather than specific issues in the outer or middle ear. Thus, the defining characteristics of conductive hearing loss firmly establish it as the type of hearing loss caused by problems in the outer or middle ear.