Conductive Hearing Loss Treatment in Fresno, 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.

If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of hearing difficulty, the experienced ENT team at ENT Associates of Fresno is here to help. Our board-certified otolaryngologists and hearing specialists serve patients throughout Fresno and the greater Central San Joaquin Valley. Request an appointment today or call us at 559-768-3682

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 at ENT Associates of Fresno 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 
  • Tests to evaluate the nerve pathways when needed 
  • Imaging 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 eardrum
  • Problems with three small bones in your ear
  • Fluid in the space between your eardrum 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 Bluetooth devices for the classroom

Schedule Your Appointment Today

At ENT Associates of Fresno, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the ear, including conductive hearing loss.

Don’t wait to address your hearing concerns. Early treatment leads to better outcomes. Request an appointment online or call our Fresno office at 559-768-3682. We’re located at 6121 N Thesta St, Suite 303, Fresno, CA 93710.

This page was reviewed and approved by the physicians at ENT Associates of Fresno, a team of board-certified otolaryngologists providing a full range of ENT services to residents of the Central San Joaquin Valley.