Conductive hearing

Definition

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem conducting sound waves anywhere along the route through the outer ear, tympanic membrane (eardrum), or middle ear (ossicles). It results in a reduction of sound level or the ability to hear faint sounds.

Related terms

Tympanic Membrane: The eardrum that vibrates in response to sound waves.

Ossicles: Three tiny bones in the middle ear that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A type of hearing loss resulting from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain