Definition of Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss: a type of hearing loss resulting when sound is not conducted effectively through the ear canal to the eardrum and the small bones of the middle ear. This is in contrast to sensorineural hearing loss, which is hearing loss due to damage to the inner ear or the nerve that carries sound signals to the `brain. Sometimes, both kinds of hearing loss are present at the same time.

Conductive hearing loss usually is caused by conditions that can block the transmission of sound, such as impacted cerumen (earwax), ear infection, foreign body in the ear, benign tumors, or perforated eardrum.