Hearing loss associated with otitis media ___________ .

Hearing loss associated with otitis media is typically conductive because this condition involves inflammation or fluid in the middle ear, affecting the transmission of sound through this area. The presence of fluid can hinder the movement of the eardrum and the ossicles (small bones in the middle ear), which is essential for converting sound waves into mechanical vibrations that the inner ear can interpret.

In some instances, if there is a persistent or severe case of otitis media, it can lead to a mixed hearing loss, which includes both conductive loss and some degree of sensorineural loss. This mixed hearing loss occurs when the inner ear is also affected, but this is less common than just conductive loss.

While sensory/neural hearing loss typically refers to issues within the inner ear or auditory nerve, otitis media primarily affects the middle ear. Additionally, while it can occur bilaterally, it is most often characterized by conductive hearing loss that may not always be symmetrical; variability can occur depending on the individual case and factors such as previous infections or anatomical differences.

Thus, the characterization of hearing loss associated with otitis media being conductive but potentially mixed captures the primary nature of the condition accurately.