Conductive Hearing Loss In conductive hearing loss, the problem usually occurs in the outer and middle ears. A problem affecting the outer and middle ear while the inner ear works normally prevents sound from reaching the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss is usually temporary and treatable, ranging from mild to moderate. You can observe conductive hearing loss by covering your ears with your fingers. Sounds which are coming from outside less and soft, while your own sounds will sound louder than usual.
The ratings of hearing loss may vary from person to person. The terms used to describe which level are mild, moderate, severe and profound.
Mild hearing loss : soft sounds cannot be heard, clear conversations in a noisy environment cannot be heard.
Moderate hearing loss : soft and medium-range sounds cannot be heard, especially when it is difficult to understand speech with background noise.
Severe hearing loss : some loud sounds may be heard, but communication is impossible without a hearing aid.
Profound hearing loss : some extremely loud sounds may be heard, but communication is impossible without a hearing aid.
1Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss
-Accumulation of earwax
-Ear infection – middle ear infection
-Cholesteatoma – growth in the middle ear
-Ear hardening – abnormal growth of middle ear bone
| Hearing loss ratings | Decibel level | Instance of height | Possible problems and needs |
| Normal hearing | Up to 20 dB | Leaf rustling, ticking of the watch | There is no problem with hearing |
| Mild hearing loss | 20-45 dB | Silent / whispering, snapping fingers | There may be problems hearing low sounds. A hearing aid can be used |
| Mid hearing loss | 40-60 dB | Mute / normal talk, normal radio sound | He / she should understand normal speech which are sounds coming from the front and close. Usually a hearing aid is needed. Extra help (e.g. FM) / support may be needed at school. |
| Middle level severe hearing loss | 60-75 dB | Normal / loud talk, doorbell | The speech must be loud to be heard. He/she should be able to hear normal speech with a hearing aid. Extra help at school (e.g. FM) / sitting which is good place may be needed. |
Note: these degrees of hearing loss are only estimated data. You can get the most accurate results in consultation from your doctor.
| Severe hearing loss | 75-90 dB | Ringing, lightning, baby crying | It can hear loud sounds provided it is close. It usually needs a hearing aid. Extra help at school (e.g. FM) / good sitting may be needed. |
| Profound hearing loss | 90 dB and more | Truck, chainsaw | Use proper upgrade technologies (e.g. hearing aid, cochlear implant) |
2SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS
- Repeating what is often said
- Difficulty and inability to understand what people say when there is background noise
- Difficulty in following collective conversations
- Strain in crowded, noisy environments
- Turn up loud on television or phone
- Sounds are coming muffled
- Feeling like ear is plugged
- Tinnitus and buzzing sound in the ear
- Difficult to hear subtle sounds like the voice of women and children
- Speak aloud to those around you
- Very little heard or cannot heard like phone and doorbell
3Symptoms in infants:
- If he/she does not react to the surrounding sounds by turning his head
- He/she is been making a lot of noise since he/she was born and crying loudly
- If he/she does not answer his/her mother’s call
- Learning difficulties
- If baby is delayed to make speech sounds
In this situations, you should have an ear-nose and throat hearing test as soon as possible.
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