19/03/2026
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds can’t reach your inner ear. Other names for this condition include conductive hearing impairment or conduction deafness.
Conductive hearing loss is the most common cause of hearing loss in young children.
There are two types of conductive hearing impairment:
1. Unilateral conductive hearing loss: Affects one ear.
2. Bilateral conductive hearing loss: Affects both ears.
Conductive hearing loss symptoms can include:
- Balance issues (due to problems with the vestibular system in your inner ear)
- Ear pain
- Ear pressure
- Ear popping or ringing
- Muffled hearing in one or both ears
- Noticing that your own voice sounds louder
Conductive hearing loss causes include:
* Blockages from stuck objects
* Ear infections (especially chronic ones)
* Ear tumors, cysts or other growths
* Earwax buildup
* Eustachian tube dysfunction
* Fluid in your middle ear from colds
* Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in your ear)
* Ruptured eardrum
How is it diagnosed?
A qualified hearing professional can determine the type of hearing loss you have.
How is it treated?
Depending on the diagnosis, the outlook is generally good with treatment. Medication, hearing aids or surgery can improve or correct most cases of conductive hearing loss.
Can it be prevented?
- Don’t stick anything in your ear canal, including cotton swabs.
- If you get an ear infection, treat it promptly.
- Have regular hearing tests.
Information source: The Cleveland Clinic.
