What distinguishes conductive hearing loss from sensorineural hearing loss?

Conductive hearing loss is primarily characterized by issues in the outer or middle ear that affect the conduction of sound waves to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is a physical blockage or disruption in the ear structures, preventing sound from reaching the auditory nerve efficiently. Common causes include ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, perforated eardrum, or malformations of the outer or middle ear.

On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the auditory nerve or the inner ear structures, indicating a fundamental difference in the underlying mechanisms of hearing impairment. Age-related changes and fluid accumulation in the inner ear are more associated with sensorineural hearing loss rather than conductive issues. Thus, the defining feature of conductive hearing loss is specifically related to the sound conduction problems in the outer or middle ear.