The diagnosis and management of conductive and mixed hearing loss is fundamental in audiology. This stream will review the pathologies associated with conductive hearing loss and new trends in medical and surgical treatment. It will focus on the role of the audiologist in rehabilitation and the options available for clients where there has been a fundamental change in their ear geometry.

There will be practical guidance on complex wax removal for perforations or mastoid cavities and mastoid packing when taking impressions. It will review device options including ear mould and hearing device selection, software settings and hands-on training with contemporary bone conduction devices.

Learning Goals

• To gain an up-to-date understanding of current conductive hearing pathologies in adults and children, including presentation, diagnosis, aetiology, medical management and audiological considerations and implications.
• To obtain a deeper understanding of the audiological non-medical management of chronic middle ear conditions, including the audiologist’s role in aural hygiene, device expectations, when and where to refer onwards and outlining expectations/counselling the client throughout the process.
• To obtain a broader understanding of the needs of clients with hearing loss or ear geometry that is best managed by the provision of implantable and non-implantable bone conduction devices, including specific reference to clients with skin cancers of, and around the ear.
• To gain specific hands-on skills expanding into non-standard anatomy, specifically gaining skills toward safe impression taking techniques for mastoid cavities including optimal earmould selection.
• To gain an overview of the current amplification options available for chronic conductive hearing conditions, including device selection, funding, programming and management.