Because of this, they often speak softly. The most common cause of conductive deafness is ear wax. Removal of the wax, after first softening it, will make a lot of difference. Other causes of conductive deafness in older people include ear infections, perforated ear drum, and damage to the small bones in the inner ear that conduct sound waves. Central deafness Central deafness can also affect older people, although it is far less common than either presbycusis or conduction deafness.
Central deafness is due to a problem within the hearing centers in the brain.
Sounds can be heard, but language cannot be understood. Central deafness may follow a long illness with high fever, long exposure to loud noise, head injuries, stroke, tumors, and certain drugs. The deafness is permanent, but speech therapy may help communication. See your health care provider. You may have wax that needs to be removed.