Thus, an air pressure wave is converted into a liquid pressure wave within the inner ear fluid compartment. Think of it as a flow of energy. Anything that disrupts this flow of energy results in hearing loss. This is the term that is used when there are problems which the flow of air pressure waves down the ear canal, across the ear drum, or through the ossicles. If the ossicles can't vibrate, sound waves cannot very well be transmitted through them.
Chronic infection can cause scars or adhesions to impair the mobility of the ossicles.
This is the term that is used when there are problems in the cochlea, the auditory nerve, or any other of the nerves linking the cochlea to the auditory cortex of the brain. Certain infections, such as meningitis. Click here if you have questions, comments or criticisms for Dr. Hoffman. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.