New Study Highlights the Importance of Early Treatment of Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the movement of sound waves from the ear canal to the inner ear is impaired – reducing the volume of sounds or totally eliminating softer noises. It is most frequently caused by middle ear infections, earwax buildup or otosclerosis (an abnormal bonelike growth near the middle ear), and frequently only impacts one ear. Since it doesn’t often result in total hearing loss, many adults don’t seek treatment – especially if correcting it involves surgery. In light of Massachusetts Eye and Ear’s recent study[1] published in PLOS ONE, they may be wise to change their mind.

The year-long study, which was conducted on mice with chronic conductive hearing loss in one ear, revealed this type of auditory deprivation caused permanent damage to the inner ear. Specifically, Dr. Maison and her team discovered damage to the synapses which serve as the connection between the sensory cells and the brain. This damage appears similar to that caused by age-related or noise-induced hearing loss. The Massachusetts Eye & Ear study is one of the few on adult sound deprivation and the first to reveal any effect on the inner ear. Even though the root cause of the inner-ear damage is still unknown, the researchers have concluded that, at the very least, it confirms the importance of seeking early treatment of conductive hearing loss, and the avoidance of prolonged sound deprivation, even if only in one ear.

Children are a key concern when it comes to conductive hearing loss because they frequently contract middle ear infections. At least 80 percent of children will develop at least one ear infection before they turn three years old, and the condition remains the most common cause of office calls and OTC prescriptions among children. Some ear infections may last as long as a few months, and can cause problems with communication development for years to come. With new proof that ear infections can also cause inner ear damage if not treated, parents should be especially watchful for signs and symptoms, particularly among very young children. The most common symptoms include pulling on the ears, unexplainable fussiness, fever, difficulty sleeping, fluid drainage, poor balance and hearing difficulty. If your child exhibits these signs, schedule an appointment with a physician or hearing professional as soon as possible to avoid both short-term and potential long-term affects to their hearing.