Which is a common cause of conductive hearing loss in adults?

• A. Otosclerosis
• B. Cerumen impaction
• C. Sensorineural loss from noise exposure
• D. Meniere disease

Answer: (B)

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound cannot be conducted properly through the outer or middle ear. Earwax buildup blocking the ear canal directly reduces the amount of sound reaching the eardrum and middle ear, making sounds appear muffled. This blockage is a very common, easily reversible cause of conductive hearing loss in adults, usually resolved by removing the cerumen.

Otosclerosis can cause conductive loss as the stapes becomes fixed, but it is less common than cerumen impaction and has a different pattern, often progressive and not immediately reversible. Sensorineural loss from noise exposure affects the inner ear or auditory nerve, not the conduction pathway. Meniere disease involves fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo and other symptoms, not a conductive issue.