What type of hearing loss results from disease or obstruction in the outer or middle ear?

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves are not effectively transmitted through the outer ear, the middle ear, or both. This type of hearing loss can arise from various issues, including ear infections, fluid in the middle ear, perforated eardrums, or obstructions such as earwax buildup. These conditions directly affect the ability of sound to reach the inner ear, leading to a reduced sound transmission.

In contrast, sensorineural hearing loss is related to issues in the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which affects the ability to process sound rather than its transmission. Mixed hearing loss refers to a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, which involves problems in both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear or beyond. Mild hearing loss describes the degree of hearing impairment but does not specify the mechanism behind it.

Therefore, the classification of hearing loss as conductive specifically highlights its origin in the outer or middle ear, making this the correct answer.