Conductive Hearing Loss In Children : A Comprehensive Literature Review

Istiazah Ramadhani; Velda Mufarrihati J.; Baiq Salwa Nadira Alifa; Desak Putu Candraningtyas; M. Badzlul Rahmansyah; Alya Nabila Putri; Faiza Firdausy; I Nyoman Rhino Raditya; Safrizal Raditya Wardana; Eka Arie Yuliani

doi:10.55227/ijhet.v5i4.1254

Authors

Istiazah Ramadhani Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
Velda Mufarrihati J. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
Baiq Salwa Nadira Alifa Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
Desak Putu Candraningtyas Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
M. Badzlul Rahmansyah Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
Alya Nabila Putri Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
Faiza Firdausy Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
I Nyoman Rhino Raditya Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
Safrizal Raditya Wardana Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia
Eka Arie Yuliani Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mataram University, Mataram, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55227/ijhet.v5i4.1254

Keywords:

Hearing Loss; Children; Otitis Media With Effusion; Diagnosis; Management; Prognosis.

Abstract

Conductive hearing loss (CHL) in children is a hearing disorder caused by impaired sound transmission through the external and/or middle ear, while sensorineural function is generally preserved. Although commonly associated with otitis media and external ear abnormalities, CHL in children may be underrecognized and can negatively affect speech and language development, learning, academic performance, and psychosocial functioning when left untreated. This literature review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding the definition, epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, complications, and prognosis of CHL in children. A narrative literature review was conducted through searches of PubMed, ScienceDirect, SAGE, Google Scholar, NCBI Bookshelf, and official websites of the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. Literature published between 2016 and 2026 in English or Indonesian was considered. Of 99 identified articles, 13 duplicates were removed, 86 articles underwent title and abstract screening, 42 were assessed in full text, and 26 publications met the eligibility criteria and one additional study was identified by hand-searching, giving 27 included sources. The review indicates that otitis media with effusion is a major cause of CHL in children, followed by external ear conditions such as cerumen impaction. Important risk factors include recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, Eustachian tube dysfunction, adenoid hypertrophy, limited access to healthcare, congenital ear abnormalities, trauma, and inappropriate ear-cleaning practices. Diagnosis requires comprehensive history taking, otoscopic examination, pure-tone audiometry, and tympanometry, with imaging reserved for suspected structural abnormalities or complications. Management is primarily directed at the underlying cause and may include observation, medical treatment, tympanostomy tube placement, tympanoplasty, surgical reconstruction, hearing rehabilitation, or bone conduction systems according to the clinical condition. Persistent or recurrent CHL may result in impaired speech and language development, learning difficulties, psychosocial problems, and structural damage to the tympanic membrane and ossicles. Overall, the prognosis is generally favorable in reversible conditions, particularly nonpersistent otitis media with effusion, but is less favorable in chronic, recurrent, or structurally complicated disease. Early detection, appropriate diagnosis, hearing monitoring, and etiology-based management are essential to minimize the long-term impact of CHL on children's development and quality of life.

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