Conductive hearing loss explained: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

Not all hearing loss is the same. While most people are familiar with age-related or noise-induced hearing loss, conductive hearing loss works differently. This type of hearing loss occurs when something prevents sound from moving effectively through the outer or middle ear, making it harder to hear clearly. Unlike sensorineural hearing loss, which is usually permanent, conductive hearing loss can often be treated or even corrected with medical care, surgery, or hearing aids¹.

What causes conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss develops when there is a blockage or interruption in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from reaching the inner ear. Common causes include:

Ear infections: Fluid buildup from middle ear infections (otitis media) can disrupt sound transmission².
Earwax buildup: Excess cerumen (earwax) can block the ear canal³.
Perforated eardrum: A tear in the eardrum reduces the ear’s ability to conduct sound waves.
Abnormal bone growth: Conditions such as otosclerosis cause stiffening of the middle ear bones, limiting their movement.
Foreign objects: Small items that become lodged in the ear canal can obstruct sound.

In many of these cases, the ear’s internal structures remain intact, but the path for sound is temporarily blocked.

How is it different from other types of hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss, the most common type, results from permanent damage to the inner ear’s hair cells or the auditory nerve. By contrast, conductive hearing loss is often caused by physical obstructions or structural issues that may be resolved. For example, removing earwax, treating infections, or repairing the eardrum can restore hearing⁴.

Another distinction is that conductive hearing loss tends to reduce volume more than clarity. Many people describe sounds as muffled or faint, but once the underlying issue is treated, hearing often improves significantly.

Symptoms to watch for

Signs of conductive hearing loss can include:

A sudden or gradual reduction in hearing ability
Difficulty hearing soft sounds
A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
Fluid drainage (in cases of infection)
Ear pain or discomfort

Because these symptoms may overlap with other medical conditions, a proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential.

Treatment and correction options

The treatment path depends on the underlying cause:

Medical treatment: Antibiotics or antifungal medications can clear infections.
Earwax removal: Healthcare providers can safely remove impacted earwax.
Surgery: Extreme cases may require surgical intervention, such as repairing a perforated eardrum (tympanoplasty), replacing damaged middle ear bones (stapedectomy), or addressing chronic fluid buildup⁵.
Hearing aids: For some, especially when surgery or medical treatment is not an option, properly fitted hearing aids can help improve hearing ability.

Because conductive hearing loss is often reversible, early diagnosis and treatment make a critical difference.

The role of early intervention

If left untreated, chronic infections or structural problems can cause long-term damage and, in some cases, lead to permanent hearing loss. For children, untreated hearing loss may delay language development and impact school performance⁶. For adults, postponing care can reduce quality of life, limit social interaction, and even increase risks of cognitive decline⁷.

Breaking down barriers to hearing care

Unfortunately, many people face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing treatment and hearing aids. That’s why programs like the Gift of Sound™ are so essential. Since 1990, the Miracle-Ear Foundation has provided hearing aids and unlimited care to thousands of children and adults who could not otherwise afford them. By removing cost as a barrier, the Gift of Sound ensures more people can reconnect with the sounds and moments that matter most.