Characteristics Of Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss can occur due to the damage caused to the external or middle ear. In such cases, sound waves cannot reach the auditory canal through the tympanic membrane and the ossicles. A physical examination can diagnose this hearing loss. Doctors take a look directly into the ear of the patient or use a tuning fork to determine the hearing range of the patient. Audiometer is another device for detecting loss of hearing. Conductive hearing loss is most seen in children. It is usually mild in nature, when compared to sensory hearing loss and can occur in one or both the ears.

Conductive hearing loss occurs due to fluid accumulation in the middle ear, some kind of infection, or wax build up in the ear canal or an accidental entry of a foreign object. Damage to the middle ear can be caused by high water pressure due to a deep-sea dive. If fluids from the throat pass down the Eustachian tube the middle ear gets infected. Osteomas are bony growths seen mostly in cold-water swimmers. This usually gets cured on its own. External otitis is a painful infection in the outer ear. It becomes necessary to use antibiotics for curing this infection.

A tympanic membrane perforation or a hole in the ear drum and tympanosclerosis are some other reasons of a conductive hearing loss. Tympanosclerosis is often the result of a previous ear infection. When otitis media occurs, fluids build up in the middle ear. This is quite common and the treatment is to get the fluid out. Otosclerosis is the disease when the three bones or ossicles get fused together. Ossicular chain discontinuity occurs when the bones break.

Conductive hearing loss can be treated and hearing restored to a great extent. Ear wax should be removed with the correct instruments and by someone experienced. Otherwise, the wax can be pushed deeper into the canal. A blockage in the auditory canal, caused due to wax or some other objects, can be removed. Antibiotics can cure infections in the middle ear. The middle ear can also be drained through the tympanic membrane. A damaged tympanic membrane can be repaired with a skin graft. Artificial parts can be used to replace broken ossicles.

People who suffer from hearing loss, temporary or otherwise, tend to forget the sounds of various things. The world around them becomes quieter. But they miss out on certain lovely and soft sounds like the pitter patter of rain drops, singing of the birds, whispering of children, etc. The deterioration of hearing happens slowly. Naturally, the affected individual can not understand that he or she is not being able to hear anything clearly.

Conductive hearing loss can be prevented if proper care is taken. Throat and upper respiratory tract infections need to be monitored to stop the spreading of infection to the ears. If infection at all occurs in the ears, they should be treated immediately. People working in a noisy surrounding can use a headgear to protect the ears from loud noise. If infection starts occurring on a regular basis or persists, a visit to the doctor is a must.

• John Palsson
• 19/05/2009, 12:59 AM
• 0 Comments