What is a known effect of conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss is characterized by a reduction in the ability to conduct sound waves through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. One of the primary effects of this condition is difficulty hearing faint sounds. Individuals with conductive hearing loss may struggle to hear quieter noises because the pathway for sound transmission is obstructed or impaired, limiting their auditory perception, especially of softer sounds.

While conductive hearing loss can sometimes be corrected with medical interventions, such as medication or surgery, this is not universally the case and varies depending on the underlying cause. Additionally, it does not typically lead to complete deafness, as there is often still some degree of hearing present. Lastly, individuals with conductive hearing loss do not generally experience increased sensitivity to noise; instead, they may experience the opposite effect, where they struggle with softer sounds rather than being more sensitive to louder ones.