National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What condition could lead to sudden onset of mild hearing loss and results consistent with conduction hearing loss?

1. Otitis media

2. Acoustic neuroma

3. Presbycusis

4. Noise-induced hearing loss

The correct answer is: Otitis media

The condition that can lead to a sudden onset of mild hearing loss with findings indicative of conductive hearing loss is otitis media. This condition involves inflammation or infection of the middle ear, which can cause fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. The presence of fluid affects the transmission of sound vibrations through the middle ear structures, resulting in conductive hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently travel through the outer or middle ear, leading to a reduction in sound intensity. In contrast, acoustic neuroma typically presents with sensorineural hearing loss and auditory symptoms that are progressive rather than sudden. Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss that tends to be gradual and affects high-frequency sounds, while noise-induced hearing loss usually occurs due to prolonged exposure to loud noises, resulting in permanent sensorineural damage rather than sudden conductive loss. Thus, otitis media stands out as the most likely cause of the described symptoms due to its acute nature and impact on the conductive mechanism of hearing.