Ear Health	How Hearing Works	Common Hearing Disorders
Conductive Hearing Loss	Work with Your Family and Friends	Additional Resources

Ear Health: Conductive Hearing Loss

A hearing loss is conductive when there is a problem with the ear canal, the eardrum and/or the three bones connected to the eardrum. Common reasons for this type of hearing loss are:

• A middle ear infection.
• Fluid in the middle ear.
• Abnormal bone growth.
• A plug of excess wax in the ear canal.

  Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by special glands in the outer part of the ear canal and is designed to trap dust and dirt particles keeping them from reaching the eardrum. Usually the wax accumulates, dries, and then falls out of the ear on its own or is wiped away. One of the most common and easily treatable causes of hearing loss is accumulated earwax. Using cotton swabs or other small objects to remove earwax is not recommended as it pushes the earwax deeper into the ear, increasing buildup and affecting hearing. Excessive earwax can be a chronic condition best treated by a doctor.

• A perforated eardrum.

  A perforated eardrum is a hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear. A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge with possible pain. The amount of hearing loss experienced depends on the degree and location of perforation. Sometimes a perforated eardrum will heal spontaneously, other times surgery to repair the hole is necessary. Serious problems can occur if water or bacteria enter the middle ear through the hole. If you think you may have a hole in your eardrum, you should see your doctor. Your doctor can advise you on protection of the ear from water and bacteria until the hole is repaired.