When sound can’t reach the inner ear efficiently, hearing feels “blocked.” Conductive hearing loss is often temporary and treatable — the key is a clear diagnosis and the right care. Explore causes, symptoms, tests, and treatment options with EliteListen.
Book a Free Hearing TestConductive hearing loss happens when sound is blocked or reduced in the outer or middle ear — for example by earwax, fluid behind the eardrum, or issues with the tiny ear bones. The inner ear itself can work well, but not enough sound reaches it.
Several conditions can reduce how sound travels through the ear canal and middle ear.
Excess cerumen can plug the ear canal, dulling sound. Safe removal restores clarity quickly.
Fluid from colds or ear infections prevents the eardrum from moving freely.
A perforation or scarring reduces vibration efficiency and makes hearing muffled.
Fixation of the ossicles (e.g., otosclerosis) limits sound transfer to the inner ear.
Acute or recurrent infections inflame the middle ear and create temporary loss.
Objects, skin conditions, or swelling can narrow the ear canal and block sound.
People often describe a “plugged” or “underwater” sensation. You may notice:
Speech lacks sharpness, especially at low volumes.
A feeling of blockage in one or both ears.
Pain or tenderness during infections or with earwax.
Occasional discharge from the ear canal.
Hearing worse on one ear in noisy places.
Turning up the TV seems to “fix” the problem temporarily.
A pure-tone audiometry test measures the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches. In conductive loss, the inner ear often hears better than what reaches it — this shows up as an air-bone gap. Your clinician uses the pattern to confirm the type of loss and plan treatment.
Mild: soft speech and whispers are harder to catch, especially with background noise. Moderate: everyday conversations feel muffled and you rely on higher volume. Both forms are highly treatable once the underlying blockage or middle-ear issue is addressed.
Get a same-day check with our certified audiologists at EliteListen.
Early diagnosis prevents long-term issues. We’ll run a full hearing check and explain your results in plain language.
Usually not. Many causes (earwax, fluid, minor eardrum problems) are reversible with treatment. Some conditions may need surgery or hearing devices.
Conductive loss blocks sound before it reaches the inner ear; sensorineural loss affects the inner ear or nerve. Your audiogram pattern helps tell them apart.
Yes. Glue ear (fluid) after colds is common. Prompt care helps speech and learning.
When medical correction isn’t possible or while you recover, hearing aids — especially bone-conduction options — can restore clarity.
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