Outer/middle ear issues causing hearing impairment correspond to which type of hearing loss?

Outer/middle ear issues causing hearing impairment correspond to which type of hearing loss?

• A. Presbycusis
• B. Sensorineural hearing loss
• C. Conductive hearing loss
• D. Central hearing loss

Answer: (C)

Problems in the outer or middle ear block the mechanical transmission of sound to the inner ear, which is exactly what defines conductive hearing loss. In this type, air conduction is reduced because sound can’t travel efficiently through the ear canal, tympanic membrane, or ossicles, while bone conduction often remains relatively preserved. That contrast helps distinguish it from other types: presbycusis is a sensorineural loss from aging of the inner ear, and central hearing loss involves brain processing of sound rather than the ear’s physical pathways. Examples of outer/middle ear issues include cerumen buildup, otitis media, tympanic membrane perforation, and otosclerosis.

Problems in the outer or middle ear block the mechanical transmission of sound to the inner ear, which is exactly what defines conductive hearing loss. In this type, air conduction is reduced because sound can’t travel efficiently through the ear canal, tympanic membrane, or ossicles, while bone conduction often remains relatively preserved. That contrast helps distinguish it from other types: presbycusis is a sensorineural loss from aging of the inner ear, and central hearing loss involves brain processing of sound rather than the ear’s physical pathways. Examples of outer/middle ear issues include cerumen buildup, otitis media, tympanic membrane perforation, and otosclerosis.