Understanding Conductive Hearing Loss: Causes and Treatment Options

According to a study published in PubMed Central, hearing loss, which includes conductive hearing loss (CHL), is the world's fourth-leading cause of disability. It's bad enough on its own, but what makes it worse is that it can increase the risk of depression.

The good news is that despite being common, many cases and causes of CHL are treatable, even preventable. If treated early, the hearing impairment should improve and return to normal.

For those reasons, seniors should familiarize themselves with the most common causes of CHL and the treatments available. The Prairie Hills Cedar Rapids team, our assisted living community in Cedar Rapids, IA, has covered these topics and shared preventive strategies, so please read on.

What Causes Conductive Hearing Loss in Older Adults?

Conductive hearing loss, which are middle ear problems, can result from:

Ear wax blockage or impaction
Middle ear infections
Ear drum perforation
Benign ear growths
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)

While anyone can experience those problems, older adults are at a higher risk because of age-related physiological changes.

Ear Wax Blockage or Impaction

Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a slick, oily substance secreted by the ear canal's ceruminous and sebaceous glands. It has many protective roles, including:

"Waterproofing" the ear canal to keep it from becoming irritated by accidental water penetration
Preventing invaders, like dust, dirt, germs, and insects, from reaching the more sensitive inner ear structures
Protecting the fragile ear canal skin from intruders, trauma, water damage, and infection

However, ear wax can pose problems if it accumulates and hardens, causing an impaction or blockage in the ear canal. According to a study published on GlobalRPH.com, cerumen impaction is common in the general U.S. population, with a prevalence rate of 18.6%. However, this jumps to 32.4% among those 70 years or older.

Ear wax impaction is a typical senior auditory health issue because aging results in physical changes to ear structures. As pointed out by HealthInAging.org, such changes can cause the cerumen in older people to become drier and stickier.

When cerumen impaction occurs, it blocks the ear canal, so sounds can't reach the cochlea. The problem is that the cochlea, a small organ of the inner ear, plays a critical role in sound conversion and processing. So if sounds can't reach it, it won't be able to communicate with the brain, causing hearing loss.

Middle Ear Infections

Middle ear infections, also called otitis media, result from infectious diseases (like colds) that cause mucus buildup in the middle ear. The infections can cause the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose, to become blocked or inflamed. Conductive hearing loss may then occur as a symptom.

Kids are more likely to acquire middle ear infections. However, seniors can be at a higher risk than younger adults, as advancing age can weaken the immune system.

Ear Drum Perforation

The eardrum is a thin tissue in the middle ear that separates it from the outer ear. When it picks up sound waves, it creates vibrations, which it then sends to the middle ear bones, which "communicate" with the cochlea.

However, the eardrum can become perforated (develop a hole or tear) due to:

Middle ear infections
A physical blow to the ear or head
An explosive noise
An injury

Ear Growths

Benign or non-cancerous ear growths can also develop in the middle ear and cause conductive hearing loss. Some examples are:

Acoustic neuromas
Adenomas
Glomus tympanicum paraganglioma
Cholesteatomas
Exostoses
Osteomas
Keloids

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)

Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause conductive hearing loss by:

Preventing the tube from equalizing air pressure properly
Causing fluid buildup in the middle ear
Obstructing sound transmission from the middle ear to the inner ear

ETD often results from infectious illnesses (e.g., the flu and colds) and allergies like hay fever.

How Do You Treat Conductive Hearing Loss?

Conductive hearing loss remedies and treatments depend on the underlying cause:

Cerumen buildup: Professional cleaning and ear blockage solutions like ear drops and irrigation
Middle ear infections: Antibiotics (for bacterial infections) and antivirals (for viral infections)
Benign ear growths: Surgery and corticosteroids
ETD: Decongestants (for nasal congestion), antihistamines (for allergies), and anti-inflammatories (for swelling)

Medical intervention is usually unwarranted for eardrum perforation since it "repairs" itself over time. However, antibiotics may be necessary if the perforation is due to a bacterial infection.

Can You Prevent Conductive Hearing Loss?

Not all cases of CHL are preventable, but those caused by cerumen buildup and injuries are.

Seniors can minimize their risk for CHL due to ear wax buildup by regularly showering and washing their hair. Such personal hygiene practices help remove cerumen as the water that runs down the ears can wash it away. Getting regular professional check-ups and ear cleaning can also help.

Middle ear injuries (e.g., eardrum perforation) are also preventable by avoiding areas with deafening sounds. When venturing somewhere noisy, wear earplugs or earmuffs.

Likewise, prioritizing fall safety can prevent head injuries that can cause CHL. For instance, seniors should maintain or enhance their strength and flexibility by eating healthy, nutritious meals and participating in fitness classes. Removing safety hazards at home, such as clutter and defective structures (e.g., problematic floorboards and stair steps), can also reduce fall risks.

Finally, older adults should recognize when to seek additional support. For instance, seniors struggling with daily living activities, such as bathing or moving, should consider transitioning to an assisted living community. In a community like Prairie Hills Cedar Rapids in Cedar Rapids, IA, residents can always rely on skilled and friendly personal care providers to help with ADLs, including maintaining personal hygiene.

Steer Clear of CHL

While conductive hearing loss is treatable, the impairment it causes can be severe enough to disrupt seniors' lives. So, it's always best to avoid its causes or get treatment as soon as possible.

At Prairie Hills Cedar Rapids, our beautiful, relaxing assisted living community in Cedar Rapids, IA, the top priority is helping our residents live their lives to the fullest. Our personal care providers are available around the clock to assist residents with ADLs. We also foster senior well-being with nutritious chef-prepared meals and daily physical, social, and recreational activities and events.

Get in touch today to learn more, or schedule your visit to our senior living community!