What type of hearing loss can be treated and occurs in the outer or middle ear?

Conductive hearing loss is characterized by sound being unable to efficiently travel through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. This type of hearing loss typically results from blockages, fluid buildup, infections, earwax accumulation, or structural abnormalities, all of which affect the outer or middle ear.

The key aspect of conductive hearing loss is that, in many cases, it is treatable or reversible. Treatment options may include medical intervention such as addressing infections or removing blockages, and in some situations, surgery may be necessary to repair structural issues. Hence, this type of hearing loss contrasts with other kinds that may be more permanent or not as easily treated. For example, sensorineural hearing loss involves damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, which often leads to permanent changes in hearing ability. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment in audiology.