Conductive Hearing Loss Treatment in Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth
What is Conductive Hearing Loss?
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot efficiently travel through the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss differs from sensorineural hearing loss, which involves damage to the inner ear or the nerve that transmits signals to the brain. Conductive hearing loss is often caused by ear infections, fluid buildup, blockages, or structural abnormalities in the ear.
Understanding Conductive Hearing Loss
There are three main types of hearing loss—conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.
While sensorineural hearing loss is the most common overall, conductive hearing loss is the most frequent type seen in children and can affect one or both ears.
Conductive hearing loss may range from mild to severe, and in most cases, it can be treated or improved once the underlying cause is addressed.
Symptoms of Conductive Hearing Loss
If you’re experiencing hearing changes, it’s important to seek medical evaluation early. Most cases of conductive hearing loss can improve significantly with proper care.
Common signs include:
- Sounds seem muffled or unclear
- Feeling that others are mumbling or not speaking loudly enough
- Sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Ear pain or discomfort, especially if related to infection or blockage
- Trouble following conversations, particularly in noisy environments
- Hearing improves when sounds are made louder
- Ear popping or ringing
- Your own voice sounds louder than usual
- Balance issues or dizziness
Causes and Diagnosis
At Dallas Ear Institute, our board-certified otologists and audiologists take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing conductive hearing loss.
Your visit may include:
- A detailed review of your medical history and symptoms
- Physical examination of the ear
- Audiologic testing to measure hearing levels
- Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function
- Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans, when necessary
Common causes of conductive hearing loss include:
- Ear canal blockages (earwax or foreign objects)
- Ear infections, especially chronic otitis media
- Fluid in the middle ear due to colds, allergies, or swimmer’s ear
- Perforated (ruptured) eardrum
- Problems with the tiny ear bones (ossicles)
- Benign ear tumors or growths
Treatment for Conductive Hearing Loss
While conductive hearing loss may sound serious, most patients experience full or significant recovery once the underlying problem is treated. Treatment options depend on the cause, severity, and how quickly symptoms developed.
Common treatment options include:
- Earwax or blockage removal
- Antibiotic therapy for infections
- Surgical repair of the eardrum or middle ear bones
- Tympanostomy tubes to treat recurring fluid buildup
- Management of ear growths or tumors
- Hearing aids or implantable devices to amplify sound
- Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) for phones, classrooms, or TV
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can dramatically improve your hearing, communication, and overall quality of life.
Why Choose Dallas Ear Institute in Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth
At the Dallas Ear Institute, we specialize exclusively in ear and hearing disorders. Our fellowship-trained physicians and licensed audiologists provide advanced diagnostics and treatment for patients of all ages.
With convenient offices in Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth, our team offers compassionate, personalized care and access to the latest hearing technology and surgical options.
Take the First Step Toward Better Hearing
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of conductive hearing loss, our experts are here to help.
Call 469-803-5555 to request an appointment online with the Dallas Ear Institute in Dallas, Frisco, or Fort Worth to get started.