What does the term "conductive hearing loss" refer to?

The term "conductive hearing loss" refers specifically to hearing loss that results from issues within the outer or middle ear that impede the transmission of sound to the inner ear. This can occur due to various reasons such as ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, perforated eardrums, or earwax buildup. Each of these conditions affects the ability of sound waves to be conducted through the air or bone pathways efficiently, leading to a decrease in hearing sensitivity.

In contrast, the other options focus on different types of hearing loss. For instance, hearing loss in the auditory nerve is related to sensorineural hearing loss, which occurs due to damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve rather than the outer or middle ear. Hearing loss associated with aging, known as presbycusis, typically involves gradual changes in the inner ear as a person ages. Lastly, hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sounds pertains to noise-induced hearing loss, which results from damage to the delicate structures within the inner ear and again is distinct from the concept of conductive hearing loss.