Which type of hearing loss involves a breakdown or obstruction in the middle ear and is medically correctable?

Conductive loss is characterized by an obstruction or breakdown that occurs in the outer or middle ear, which prevents sound from efficiently reaching the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is often medically treatable; for example, conditions like earwax blockage, fluid in the ear, or issues with the ossicles can usually be corrected through medical or surgical interventions.

In contrast, sensorineural loss relates to damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways and typically is not medically reversible. Mixed loss combines elements of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, indicating that there is a problem in both the middle/outer ear and the inner ear. Permanent loss generally refers to hearing loss that is irreversible and does not have a medical or surgical solution, which implies that the hearing loss is long-lasting and cannot be remedied.

Therefore, the nature of conductive loss—specifically its association with issues that can often be corrected—makes it the correct answer to the question.