Conductive hearing loss implies an ear blockage; what are the most common ones? Find out here.
Conductive hearing loss is hearing loss due to any obstruction of the ear’s function. Something is in the ear that does not belong, or perhaps the ear or a related part is obstructing itself. Conductive hearing loss is typically temporary, but if left untreated, it could become permanent. Here are the most common causes of conductive hearing loss.
Ear Infection
Children and adults can suffer from ear infections in the inner, middle, or outer ear. An ear infection is bacterial or viral; as long as the contagion is present in the ear, it can cause inflammation, which closes up the ear and causes muffled hearing.
Fluid in the Middle Ear
A respiratory infection or allergy can lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear that does not drain out. This condition is called glue ear. If it happens chronically, it puts the person more at risk for permanent hearing loss. Fluid in the middle ear is just one possible cause of conductive hearing loss from an infection; one could also experience malfunctioning Eustachian tubes and a ruptured eardrum.
Earwax Buildup
Earwax buildup is another common cause of conductive hearing loss. If you do not clean your ears regularly, earwax could build up enough that it blocks sound waves from entering. It can be especially problematic for people with genetically dry earwax. Regular cleaning should help; if you need earwax removal, Clarity Audiology in Baltimore, MD, can assist!
Object in the Ear
Children sometimes put foreign objects in their ears, although it could happen by accident to an adult, also. Objects that doctors usually find in children’s ears include food, paper products, beads, toys, jewelry, and insects. Yikes! Your primary doctor or local audiologist can help you remove foreign objects from your ears.
Ear Malformation
In rare but possible cases, people have conductive hearing loss due to a deformation of the ear. Any part of the ear that does not allow sound to pass through it by nature would cause conductive hearing loss.
Benign Tumors
Also rare in nature are benign tumors in the ear. It is one foreign object that could be found in the ear that would cause hearing loss. Thankfully, surgery can remove a tumor and restore hearing.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.