International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What is impacted cerumen commonly associated with?

1. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear

2. Conductive hearing loss

3. External ear infections

4. Allergic reactions

The correct answer is: Conductive hearing loss

Impacted cerumen, commonly known as earwax buildup, is primarily associated with conductive hearing loss. When cerumen accumulates in the ear canal, it can obstruct sound waves from efficiently reaching the eardrum and the bones of the middle ear. This blockage can diminish hearing ability, resulting in a conductive form of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted effectively through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the ossicles of the middle ear, making it difficult for the auditory system to process sounds. In contrast, fluid accumulation in the middle ear relates to different conditions such as otitis media, where fluid buildup occurs behind the eardrum but is not caused by cerumen blockage. External ear infections, such as otitis externa, involve inflammation or infection of the outer ear and ear canal, again unrelated to impacted cerumen. Allergic reactions may also cause symptoms that could affect hearing, but they are not directly linked to impacted cerumen. Therefore, the connection of impacted cerumen to conductive hearing loss is a fundamental reason why it is the most accurate association in this context.