Conduction Deafness

Conduction Deafness is hearing loss due to sound waves not reaching the sensing mechanism within the ear. This can result from damage to the ear canal and/or tiny ear bones that conduct sounds, or blockage from earwax, infectious material, or a tumor.

For example, the worried parents of a 3 year old felt that he was progressively not paying attention when they talked to him. They felt he was ignoring them or purposely misbehaving, but a complete physical exam revealed the presence of a benign tumor that almost completely blocked his right ear canal. Conduction Deafness can be reversed and hearing restored once the blockage is removed or the injury treated.