Do I have conductive or sensorineural hearing loss?

Most patients with hearing loss will be diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, which is commonly caused by natural aging of the structures in the ear. However, some patients suffer from conductive hearing loss, which occurs due to damage or an obstruction in the middle ear that prevents sounds from being transmitted to the inner ear.

How Can I Tell If I Have Conductive Hearing Loss?

Conductive hearing loss can be caused by many different conditions, including wax blockages, infections (such as swimmer’s ear), or a foreign object that has become lodged in the ear. A person with conductive hearing loss will usually experience a decrease in the volume of sounds, but have no difficulty understanding or processing different noises.

The most common symptoms of conductive hearing loss include:

• Ability to hear out of one ear but not the other.
• Pain or pressure in one or both ears.
• Difficulty or avoidance when talking on the telephone.
• Drainage, heat, or smells coming from the affected ear canal.
• The perception that the sufferer’s own voice sounds louder, quieter, or different than usual.

In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be corrected with medical intervention. Patients may hear better immediately after a hearing care professional removes a blockage of earwax or prescribes antibiotics to relieve an ear infection. Surgery may be needed to remove abnormal growths or foreign objects, but many cases will result in only temporary hearing losses.

Only a hearing care specialist can diagnose whether you have conductive hearing loss and find the solution that is best for you. Call us today at 866-517-4415 to set up an appointment, or stop by the office location nearest you!