Conductive Hearing Loss Treatment in Apple Valley, Visalia, La Verne, Jess Ranch, CA

What is Conductive Hearing Loss?

This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the middle or outer area of the ear. This differs from sensorineural hearing loss which results from damage to the inner ear or the nerve transmitting signals to the brain. Conductive hearing loss might be due to ear infections, blockages, or structural abnormalities. 

At Optimum Audiology, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for conductive hearing loss using advanced diagnostic tools and patient-focused care. Whether your symptoms are caused by ear infections, wax buildup, fluid, or structural issues in the outer or middle ear, our hearing specialist work to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment options. 

Schedule a thorough hearing assessment at Optimum Audiology, in Apple Valley, Visalia, La Verne, Jess Ranch, CA, and get personalized care designed around your needs. 

Call today to book your appointment. 

Understanding Conductive Hearing Loss

There are many factors that can cause hearing loss. There are three types of hearing loss—conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.  

Although sensorineural hearing loss is the most common, accounting for over 90 percent of cases, conductive hearing loss is the most common cause of hearing loss in young children.  

Conductive hearing loss can affect both ears (bilateral), or one ear (unilateral) and vary in severity.  

Symptoms of Conductive Hearing Loss

If you think you may have hearing loss, you may experience the following symptoms. It is important to seek help early to avoid further complications. 

Fortunately, most cases of conductive hearing loss can be improved. 

Common indicators include:

  • Experiencing muffled sounds 
  • Thinking people are mumbling or speaking unclearly 
  • A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear 
  • Pain or discomfort (if due to infection or blockage) 
  • Difficulty hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments
  • Improvement in hearing when the sound is made louder 
  • Trouble distinguishing speech from background noise 
  • Ear popping or ringing 
  • Noticing that your own voice feels louder 
  • Balance issues 

Causes and Diagnosing Conductive Hearing Loss

Your provider will talk with you about your symptoms to determine if you are experiencing conductive hearing loss.  

You can expect:

  • An overview of your medical history  
  • Discussion about symptoms and hearing loss 
  • A physical exam with a look inside the ear  
  • Audiologic testing  
  • Tests to evaluate the nerve pathways when needed  
  • Imagining tests like an MRI or CT scan  

Causes of this condition can vary widely, but most often include:

  • Blockage of your ear canal 
  • Ear infections, especially chronic 
  • Ear tumors 
  • Ruptured or a hole in your ear drum 
  • Problems with three small bones in your ear 
  • Fluid in the space between your ear drum and cochlea, often due to a cold or swimmer’s ear 
  • Foreign objects in the ear canal 
  • Ear wax 

Treating Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss may sound alarming, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people experience full or significant improvement in hearing.

As you discuss your options with your provider, treatment for conductive hearing loss may vary depending on the:

  • Cause 
  • Severity  
  • Whether it is sudden or gradual  

Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can significantly improve quality of life and communication.

You can expect the following treatment options:

  • Treatment for a medical emergency if it comes on suddenly 
  • Removal of ear wax or other blockage 
  • Management for diseases or tumors that could be influencing hearing  
  • Hearing aids for mild to moderate cases do help amplify sounds  
  • Surgery to repair the eardrum/bones, insert tubes, or implant a hearing device for more profound cases  
  • Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) to help in specific situations like amplifying the TV, assisting with phone calls, or blue tooth divides for the classroom

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Schedule a thorough hearing assessment at Optimum Audiology, in Apple Valley, Visalia, La Verne, Jess Ranch, CA, and get personalized care designed around your needs.

Come See Us Today