International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What type of hearing loss can be caused by impacted cerumen?

1. Sensorineural hearing loss

2. Conductive hearing loss

3. Mixed hearing loss

4. Temporary hearing loss

The correct answer is: Conductive hearing loss

Impacted cerumen, or earwax buildup, primarily leads to conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs when sound waves are blocked from traveling efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and inner ear. When cerumen becomes impacted, it creates a physical barrier that prevents sound waves from reaching the structures that normally transmit information to the brain. In this situation, the auditory pathway is disrupted, but the inner ear and its processing capabilities remain functional, which is why this condition is categorized as conductive hearing loss rather than sensorineural or mixed hearing loss. While temporary hearing loss can occur as a result of the blockage, it is not as specific as conductive hearing loss, which better describes the underlying mechanism involved. Mixed hearing loss involves elements of both conductive and sensorineural types, which is not applicable here when the sole issue is impacted cerumen.