Which type of hearing loss is typically medically treatable and reversible?

Conductive hearing loss is characterized by problems in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from being conducted to the inner ear properly. This type of hearing loss is often caused by factors such as ear infections, fluid accumulation, earwax buildup, or structural issues in the ear. The distinction of being medically treatable and reversible relates directly to the fact that many of these causes can be addressed through medical intervention or surgical procedures. For example, an infection may be treated with antibiotics, or earwax can be removed effectively. Once the underlying issue is resolved, hearing typically returns to normal levels. This is in contrast to sensorineural hearing loss, which results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve and is usually permanent. Therefore, recognizing the treatable nature of conductive hearing loss aligns with the specifics of the question regarding medical reversibility.