### Patient: Doctor, I've been experiencing some low self-esteem lately, and I've noticed some redness in my ear, along with difficulty speaking and diminished hearing. What could be the cause of all these symptoms?
### Doctor: These symptoms are indicative of Conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound waves are blocked from reaching the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by an infection or allergies, or by a physical obstruction, like fluid buildup or a punctured eardrum.