AP Psychology Practice Test

What causes conduction hearing loss?

1. Damage to the cochlea's receptor cells

2. Damage to the auditory nerves

3. Damage to the mechanical system conducting sound waves to the cochlea

4. Exposure to loud noise over time

The correct answer is: Damage to the mechanical system conducting sound waves to the cochlea

The correct answer highlights that conduction hearing loss is primarily the result of damage to the mechanical system that conducts sound waves to the cochlea. This mechanical system includes the outer and middle ear structures, such as the ear canal, eardrum, and ossicles (the small bones in the middle ear). When these components are affected, sound cannot be effectively transmitted to the cochlea, leading to hearing difficulties. In contrast, damage to the cochlea's receptor cells refers to sensorineural hearing loss, indicating problems within the inner ear or auditory pathways to the brain, rather than the conduction pathways. Damage to the auditory nerves would similarly point to issues with the inner ear or the central auditory processing system rather than the conduction mechanism. Lastly, while exposure to loud noise over time is a known factor contributing to sensorineural hearing loss, it does not specifically cause conduction hearing loss as it does not impact the mechanical movement of sound through the outer or middle ear.