What condition involves hearing loss due to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum?

Chronic otitis media refers to a condition characterized by the presence of fluid in the middle ear space, often resulting from recurrent infections or eustachian tube dysfunction. This fluid can lead to a conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound waves are blocked from reaching the inner ear effectively.

In chronic otitis media, the fluid accumulates behind the eardrum, causing it to become less mobile. As a result, sound transmission through the ear is disrupted, resulting in a decrease in auditory sensitivity. Patients may experience symptoms such as occasional ear pain, fullness in the ear, and hearing loss that may fluctuate depending on the amount of fluid present.

Other conditions listed, such as acoustic neuroma, allergic rhinitis, and earwax impaction, do not primarily cause fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that affects hearing through different mechanisms. Allergic rhinitis may cause ear-related symptoms due to congestion but does not involve fluid behind the eardrum, and earwax impaction affects hearing but is not associated with fluid accumulation in the middle ear. Thus, chronic otitis media is the most accurate condition linked to hearing loss due to fluid behind the eardrum.