What typically causes conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss primarily occurs when sound waves are unable to effectively pass through the outer ear, middle ear, or both. This condition can result from various factors, but obstructions in the ear canal are a common cause. For instance, earwax buildup, fluid accumulation from infections, or foreign objects lodged in the ear canal can block sound transmission.

When these barriers impede the movement of sound waves, the auditory system's ability to convert sound into neural signals is compromised, leading to a decrease in hearing sensitivity. This type of hearing loss is often temporary and can frequently be treated or improved through medical or surgical interventions.

Other causes, such as genetic factors, damage to the cochlear nerve, and exposure to tumors, typically relate to different types of hearing loss, such as sensorineural hearing loss, which affects the inner ear or the auditory pathways in the brain. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific nature of conductive hearing loss and highlights why obstructions in the ear canal are a primary reason for this condition.