Conductive Hearing Loss Specialists
Hearing Loss Treatment in NYC
Conductive hearing loss is a form of hearing loss due to abnormalities in the ‘moving parts’ of the ear. These parts include the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the 3 bones beneath the eardrum (the ossicles). These moving parts transmit sound from the outside world to the inner ear, where our nervous system takes over and transmits signals to the brain. This type of hearing loss occurs when these movable parts are damaged or when their mobility is impaired. It is different from Sensory/Neural hearing loss, which occurs when nerves are damaged. Thankfully, most cases of this hearing loss can be helped. During your initial patient appointment, Dr. Sperling and his team of conductive hearing loss specialists may discuss options for treatment. Surgery may be an appropriate method to restore hearing. In order to provide you with treatment options, we need to assess the condition and causes of your conductive hearing loss.
Causes Include:
- Malformation of outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear structures
- Otosclerosis
- Fluid in the middle ear from colds
- Ear infection (otitis media – an infection in the middle ear in which an accumulation of fluid may interfere with the movement of the eardrum and ossicles)
- Poor Eustachian tube function
- Perforated eardrum
- Benign tumors
- Impacted earwax
- Infection in the ear canal
- Foreign body in the ear
Treatment
The type of treatment necessary depends on the cause of your hearing loss but can often include surgical hearing repair. Once we have identified the cause of your conductive hearing loss we will outline a customized treatment plan and review your options.
How Does it Occur?
Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones (ossicles) of the middle ear. It usually involves a reduction in sound level or the ability to hear faint sounds.
What are the Symptoms?
Affecting people of all age groups, it’s most prevalent in children. It can affect one ear or both ears. The most common cause of this type of hearing loss is blockages.
There are a number of symptoms but they may not show up at the same time. People with conductive hearing loss will find it difficult to hear other people talking. Some may have a visible infection in the ear, a perforation of the ear drum, built up wax in the ear canal or tumor growth in the area. Another symptom is otosclerosis, which is a growth of the middle ear bone. This abnormal bone growth prevents the ear structures from working properly, eventually causing hearing loss.
Can it Be Corrected?
In many cases, conductive hearing loss can be corrected without the need for a hearing aid. During your initial appointment, Dr. Sperling and his team will assess your condition and outline treatment options.
What are the Health Consequences of Hearing Loss?
Dr. Sperling discusses the health consequences of hearing loss.