Conductive Hearing Loss Treatment in Anchorage, Alaska

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 ENT Specialists of Alaska 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 ENT Specialists of Alaska in Anchorage, Alaska 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

Woman having her ears examined by a doctor to check for causes of hearing loss.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Schedule a thorough hearing assessment at ENT Specialists of Alaska in Anchorage, Alaska and get personalized care designed around your needs.