Conductive hearing loss is typically diagnosed through a physical examination of the ear and a hearing test. During the physical examination, the doctor will look for any physical abnormalities in the ear, such as a blockage or fluid build-up. The hearing test will measure the patient’s ability to hear different tones and frequencies. The doctor may also use a tuning fork to test the patient’s ability to hear certain sounds. If the doctor suspects a more serious condition, they may order additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.