Conductive Hearing Loss
Also written as: CHL — Conductive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from being efficiently conducted to the inner ear.
Full Definition
Conductive hearing loss (CHL) arises from structural or functional abnormalities in the outer ear canal, tympanic membrane, or ossicular chain that impede the transmission of sound energy to the cochlea. Audiometrically, it is identified by an air–bone gap of 10 dB HL or greater, with bone-conduction thresholds within normal limits. Common causes include otitis media with effusion, otosclerosis, and cerumen impaction. Editors must not conflate this term with sensorineural hearing loss; the two differ mechanistically and audiometrically and require precise differentiation in clinical writing.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify laterality (unilateral/bilateral) and degree (mild/moderate/severe) when editing diagnostic reports for clinical completeness.
In Context
- "Otosclerosis typically produces a progressive, low-frequency conductive hearing loss with characteristic Carhart notch on audiometry." — Clinical case report
- "The author used 'conductive' and 'sensorineural' interchangeably; the editor flagged this as a clinically significant error." — Manuscript review