Conduction Hearing Loss Can Occur at Any Age

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Conductive hearing loss, related to the transmission of sound in the ear, does not only occur in older people but across all ages, including children and young adults. Dr Harim Priyono, SpTHTBKL, Subsp. Oto (K), ENT surgeon at the National Referral Hospital Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo, explains that conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are blocked before reaching the primary hearing organ in the inner ear, the cochlea (koklea). ‘Conductive hearing loss is a disorder caused by obstruction to the transmission of sound waves to the hearing organ called the cochlea (koklea),’ Harim said in a webinar attended from Jakarta, on Friday. Before reaching the cochlea, sound must pass through several parts of the ear. If there is an obstruction along that path, the sound cannot reach the hearing organ properly. Anatomically, the ear is divided into three parts: outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Conductive hearing loss usually occurs due to problems in the outer or middle ear, which play roles in transmitting sound to the inner ear. The obstruction can be caused by various factors, ranging from accumulation of cerumen (serumen) or earwax, infections in the ear canal, to congenital abnormalities in the ear structure. Harim added that conductive hearing loss can occur gradually or appear suddenly. One example is cerumen accumulation that absorbs water after bathing. This condition can close the ear canal, causing hearing to suddenly diminish. Additionally, problems with the Eustachian tube in the middle ear can cause a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear, as is often felt when flying or in mountainous regions. Harim explained that most conductive hearing losses are temporary and can be addressed through appropriate medical treatment or procedures.