Conduction Deafness

Conduction deafness is a type of deafness, that is caused by the problems in the conduction or transmission of sound waves either through the outer or the middle ear. This type of deafness or hearing loss can be a temporary condition, or it could be permanent. Conductive deafness can be caused by several factors, some of which can be treated easily to restore normal hearing. The treatment of this condition can vary depending on the underlying causes.

What Causes Conduction Deafness?
There is more commonly caused when the bones of the middle ear fail to send sound waves to the inner ear. There are three tiny bones in the middle ear that facilitate the movement of sound waves to the inner ear. But sometimes, calcium can build up and make the bones of the middle ear unable to move freely. This in turn, can interfere with the movement of sound waves to the inner ear. Another common cause is build up of excess earwax in the ear canal. Accumulation of earwax can impair the normal transmission of sound waves to the middle and the inner ear.

Like earwax, fluid can build up in the ear canal, which too can cause hearing problems in the affected individual. The affected individual can hear sounds, which are weaker, less clear and distorted or muffled. Sometimes, malfunctioning of the eardrum, especially its inability to vibrate the sound waves properly can manifest in its problems. This can be caused by the build up of fluid in the ear canal and ear infections. Apart from these, some other possible causes are, infection of the external ear, tumor of the ear canal, perforation of the tympanic membrane, infection of the middle ear and otosclerosis (development of bony outgrowths in the middle or inner ear).

Symptoms of Conduction Deafness
The most common symptoms of conduction or conductive deafness is inability to hear clearly. The affected individuals can hear sounds that are distorted or unclear. Along with problems in hearing, one can experience a feeling of fullness in the ear. Tinnitus is another symptom that can be observed in conductive deafness.

Conduction and Sensorineural Deafness
Conductive deafness is different from sensorineural hearing loss or deafness. Sensorineural deafness is caused when the nerve impulses fail to reach the auditory center located in the brain. This is caused by the damage to the sensory nerves in the inner ear, or a defect of the cranial nerve, known as vestibulocochlear nerve. This type of nerve damage can prevent the proper transmission of sound impulses from the inner ear to the auditory center of the brain. Problems in the central processing center of the brain too can cause this type of deafness. Unlike conduction deafness, sensorineural deafness is not caused by interference in the conduction of sound waves.

Conduction Deafness Treatment
Treatment of conduction or conductive deafness depends on its causes. If it is caused by the accumulation of earwax, then physicians opt for earwax removal. Similarly, in the case of accumulation of fluid in the ear, normal hearing can be restored by draining the fluid. Medications like, antibiotics can be required for treating this hearing problem, if it is caused by ear infections. Apart from these, surgery can be required at times for treating conductive deafness. Physicians usually opt for surgery, when this ear problem is caused by eardrum perforation, otosclerosis and any kind of abnormal growth in the ear. Hearing aid is another option for deafness.

If you suspect that you have this condition, or observe any of the symptoms of hearing problems, then immediately consult a physician. Many a time, conductive deafness causes temporary hearing loss, and so, normal hearing can be restored with timely diagnosis and treatment. So, any problems in hearing should be promptly evaluated to find out the underlying causes.