Conductive Hearing Loss

A conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear blocking sound to the inner ear (where hearing takes place).

Conductive hearing losses can be permanent or temporary. Temporary conductive hearing loss can sometimes be treated with medical help (removing ear wax) or surgery (placing tubes in the ear drum to drain fluid).

A child with a conductive hearing loss may:

• Find it hard to understand speech in a noisy area
• Find it hard to understand speech when they are unable to see the speaker’s mouth move
• Have trouble paying attention or following directions or discussions in a noisy area
• Struggle with reading, writing and spelling schoolwork

These guidelines will help minimize potential problems for your child.

• Get your child’s hearing tested if you have concerns about a change in your child’s hearing.
• See an ear doctor (otolaryngologist) for a medical check-up and treatment plan.
• Always protect your child’s ears with earplugs or earmuffs during activities with high levels of noise, such as loud music, firearms, snowmobiling, fireworks and lawn mowing.
• Teach your child how to cross busy streets, looking left, right and left again, and to use crosswalks. It may be hard for your child to hear environmental sounds like car motors.

• Always get your child’s attention before you start talking with them or give instructions.
• Rephrase rather than repeat statements and instructions if your child misunderstands.
• Ensure that your child can see your face and mouth well when speaking to them. Use of visual cues improves communication even for those with normal hearing.
• Be aware of your environment and minimize background noise as much as possible.
• Inform teachers and classroom aides about your child’s hearing loss. Let them know if there are any changes in hearing.
• Have your child sit close to the teacher to increase access to instruction and improve access to visual cues.
• Check in with the teacher and ask questions.
• Stay aware of how your child is doing in school as prompt intervention may help reduce problems in school.

S-P-E-E-C-H may help you to remember steps for easier communication:
S - State the topic to be discussed before starting a conversation.
P - Pace your conversation at a moderate rate and normal loudness. Pause occasionally to help your child understand.
E - Enunciate and pronounce words clearly. Don’t exaggerate your lip movements.
E - Enthusiastically communicate, using natural body language and gestures.
CH - Check with your child to make sure they understand your message before changing topics.

If you have any concerns, your child’s speech and language should be evaluated so that any problems with speech and language can be found early. Prompt intervention may help reduce problems in school.

If your child’s hearing loss is found to be permanent, they may be eligible to use a hearing aid or assistive listening device. Talk with your child’s audiologist about amplification options as some devices require clearance from an ear doctor (otolaryngologist).

Examples of options include:

• Use of an amplification system in the classroom
• Use of a hearing device, e.g., behind-the-ear hearing aid or bone conduction sound processor (BCSP)