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Conductive hearing loss is typically assessed during an ear exam because it involves issues that block or impede the transmission of sound through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones of the middle ear. This type of hearing loss can result from various conditions, such as earwax buildup, fluid in the middle ear, or structural issues like a perforated eardrum. Testing during an ear exam may include tuning fork tests or audiometry, which can help differentiate between conductive and other types of hearing loss.

Sensory neural hearing loss, while important and frequently encountered, primarily stems from problems in the inner ear or auditory nerve, and may not be as readily assessed during a straightforward ear examination. Functional hearing loss, often related to psychological factors, is more complex and requires a different approach for assessment. Central auditory processing loss, which deals with how the brain processes auditory information, would likewise not be directly assessed through a routine ear examination. Thus, the primary focus during an ear exam is on identifying and evaluating conductive hearing loss.