Conduction deafness occurs when sound waves cannot reach the fluids of the inner ear. Which one of the conditions below will not cause conduction deafness?

a. inflammation of the middle ear

b. damage to cochlear hair cells

c. a perforated eardrum

d. damage to the ossicles

The conditions that will not cause conduction deafness is damage to cochlear hair cells, option B.

Explanation:

Conduction deafness occurs there is an alteration that blocks the transmission of sound from the external and middle ear to the inner ear. It is a mechanical problem in the ear canal or the middle ear.

The outer ear is the external portion that collects sonar waves and directs them to the inner ear. Three structures compose the external ear, these are the auditory pavilion, the ear canal, and the eardrum. Damages in any of these parts might produce conduction deafness.

The middle ear is located between the eardrum and the oval window of the inner ear, to which it transmits sounds. the middle ear is composed of three little bones called ossicles, the oval window, the circular window, and the Eustachian tube. Any damage or alteration in this area will also cause conduction deafness.

There are different causes of deafness, such as earwax plug, damage in the eardrum, otitis, traumatisms or malformations, tumors, outer ear infections, imflamation, fluid accumulation, among others. Any of these might impede the properly sound conduction, thus the sound can not reach the inner ear.