What distinguishes conductive hearing loss from sensorineural hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss is characterized by disruptions in the transmission of sound through the outer ear and middle ear. This type of hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently pass through the ear canal to the eardrum or through the bones of the middle ear. Factors like earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or perforated eardrums can primarily lead to conductive hearing loss.

In contrast, sensorineural hearing loss involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathway to the brain. This type can result from various factors, including aging, noise exposure, genetic conditions, or infections that damage the hair cells in the cochlea.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, as the management of conductive hearing loss often involves medical or surgical intervention, while sensorineural hearing loss might be managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants.