Conductive hearing loss facts for kids

Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss. It happens when sound can't travel easily through the outer or middle part of your ear. This blockage stops sounds from reaching your inner ear. When this occurs, noises just sound quieter or muffled. The good news is that conductive hearing loss can often be treated. How it's treated depends on what caused it.

What Causes Conductive Hearing Loss?

This type of hearing loss happens when something stops sound waves from getting to your inner ear. Here are some common reasons:

• Ear infections: Sometimes, infections in your ear can cause swelling. They might also create fluid or pus. This can block the ear canal and make it hard to hear.
• Hole in the eardrum: Your eardrum is a thin sheet that vibrates when sound hits it. If there's a hole in your eardrum, sound can't travel through as well. This makes it harder to hear clearly.
• Blocked ear canal: Sometimes, things can get stuck in your ear canal. This might be something like a cotton swab. Even too much earwax can build up and block the path for sound.

How Is Conductive Hearing Loss Treated?

The way conductive hearing loss is treated depends on what caused it. Here are some common treatments:

• Medicine: If an ear infection is causing the problem, doctors can often treat it with special medicines. This helps clear up the infection and reduce swelling.
• Surgery: Sometimes, a small operation might be needed. For example, surgery can remove objects blocking the ear. It can also fix a hole in the eardrum.
• Hearing aids: Since conductive hearing loss often makes sounds quieter, hearing aids can be very helpful. These small devices make sounds louder, making it easier for people to hear.