Management of Conductive Hearing Loss in Children

Abstract

Conductive hearing loss (CHL), far more common than sensorineural hearing loss in children, can be acquired or congenital, can range from mild to moderately severe, and can be caused by a simple cerumen impaction, middle ear fluid, or complex middle ear abnormalities with or without the absence of the ear canal (congenital aural atresia). This article presents evidence-based recommendations for the evaluation and management of the child with both acquired and congenital CHL.

Keywords: Canalplasty; Chronic otitis media in children; Conductive hearing loss; Congenital aural atresia; Middle ear anomaly.