How we can help
audiologist having conversation hearing loss

What Is Conductive Hearing Loss?

Conductive hearing loss is one of three types of hearing loss. When sound fails to reach the inner ear through the outer and middle ear, you’re dealing with conductive hearing loss. Find out what causes it, the symptoms, and more information on proper prevention and treatment.
What Is Conductive Hearing Loss?

Sound Wave Roadblocks

Conductive hearing loss is caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from reaching the inner ear.

The inner ear is responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain and, if this process is hindered, it can result in difficulty hearing. 

Different from sensorineural hearing loss, which indicates an issue with the inner ear, conductive hearing loss can result from something as simple as earwax to more pressing issues, such as damage to the eardrum.

Depending on the cause, most cases of conductive hearing loss can be treated and, in some cases, completely resolved.

Book an appointment icon at HearUSA

Don’t Wait to Hear Clearly Again

Conductive hearing loss is often treatable - but only if you act early. Book your hearing appointment today and get expert care before the problem gets worse.
Types of hearing loss HearUSA
Types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and mixed.

Potential Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is causes by issues with the middle or outer ear. These can vary from a simple blockage to issues that require surgical treatment. Common causes of conductive hearing loss include:
  • A blockage caused by impacted earwax

  • Infection or fluid build-up in the middle or outer ear

  • The use of foreign objects in the ear, such as cotton swabs

  • Damage or a hole in the eardrum

  • Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear (otosclerosis)

  • Benign tumors

  • Eustachian tube issues

  • Structural problems with the outer or middle ear

Man canoeing in a river using hearing aids
Reconnect with the world around you - starting with your hearing.
Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing Conductive Hearing Loss

If you’re experiencing conductive hearing loss, the specific symptoms you encounter are highly dependent on the cause of your hearing loss.

When it comes to conductive hearing loss, common signs and symptoms include:

  • A feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Muffled hearing, making it sound like people are mumbling
  • A gradual or sudden loss of hearing
  • Drainage from the ear
  • Pain in the ear
  • Problems hearing quiet sounds, such as whispering, rustling leaves, distant traffic, the hum of electronic devices or the subtle sounds of nature

If you experience a sudden loss of hearing, be sure to contact your doctor or Hearing Care Professional immediately, as successful treatment of sudden hearing loss can often be time sensitive.

Conductive hearing loss audiogram

Decoding Your Online Hearing Screening Results

Conductive hearing loss usually affects low-frequency sounds - like thunder, deep voices, or engine noise - and often impacts both ears. It’s identified by comparing two thresholds: air conduction (through sound waves) and bone conduction (through vibration).

When bone conduction is normal but air conduction shows loss - known as an air-bone gap - it indicates conductive hearing loss. On your audiogram, the red “O” marks the right ear and the blue “X” marks the left.

More on Audiograms
Prevention

Simple Steps to Protect Your Hearing

While some causes of conductive hearing loss may not be preventable, such as bone growth or structural issues, there are ways to take care of your hearing and prevent damage. Avoid sticking any foreign objects in your ears, such as cotton swabs. 

If you believe earwax build-up may be causing hearing issues, contact a doctor or Hearing Care Professional. Earplugs or earmuffs can also protect your eardrums from physical damage caused by sudden loud noises.

Ear muffs
Treatment

Conductive Hearing Loss Treatment Options

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, contact a Hearing Care Professional. A hearing screening and evaluation will be done to determine your type of hearing loss, extent of hearing loss and what may be causing it. 

If conductive hearing loss is determined, there are various types of treatment. Simple earwax build-up or a foreign object in the ear can be removed and hearing will generally be restored. Other causes of conductive hearing loss may require surgery or, if hearing can’t be restored, hearing aids can be a great way to get back your hearing health.

Conductive hearing loss: FAQ

Next steps to better hearing

playing-guitar-hearing-aids

How to treat your hearing loss

Hearing health is one of the building blocks of a happy life. If you can understand how your hearing works and what you can do to protect it, you won't just be doing your ears a favor, you'll be boosting your overall health and well-being, too.
Get a free demo of hearing aids at HearUSA

Why take action on your hearing loss?

Hearing loss not only affects how you hear, but how well your brain is able to function. From protecting your physical and mental well-being to improving your career outlooks, your hearing plays an essential role in it all. With HearUSA by your side, you’ll have all the tools you need to stop the effects of hearing loss and start hearing better today.
At HearUSA ur test, advise, fit and go service means in one visit you can leave with new hearing aids

Book a complimentary hearing appointment

Think you have a hearing loss?

Book an appointment at one of our Hearing Centers. The hearing screening is complimentary with no strings attached. You are also welcome to book with us for a demo of one of our hearing aids. Fill in the form below.

Rexton hearing aids is tested to demanding situations

Don't miss a beat

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed and learn more about protecting and improving your hearing health.
Sign up

Talk to an expert in one of our hearing centers.

Book appointment

Have questions or need assistance?

Call us 855 252 5312
hearusa center map

Find your nearest hearing center.