What typically causes a conductive hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being conducted effectively to the inner ear. The primary causes of conductive hearing loss often involve physical blockages or dysfunctions that impede sound transmission.

For instance, earwax buildup can obstruct the ear canal, while fluid in the middle ear, often due to infections, can dampen sound conduction. These types of issues typically lead to a reduction in the intensity of sound waves reaching the inner ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss.

In contrast, options that suggest aging and genetic factors, problems in the inner ear, or noise exposure refer to sensorineural hearing loss or other types of hearing impairments that involve different physiological mechanisms. Sensorineural hearing loss is often related to aging, noise exposure, or genetic mutations that affect the inner ear or auditory nerve. Therefore, the presence of specific blockages or fluid in the outer or middle ear clearly aligns with the definition and causes of conductive hearing loss, making this choice the most accurate.