In contrast to conductive hearing loss, which factor primarily contributes to sensorineural hearing loss?

Sensorineural hearing loss is primarily caused by issues related to the inner ear or the auditory nerve itself. This type of hearing loss results from damage to the hair cells in the cochlea or problems along the auditory nerve pathways, which can impair the ability to transmit sound signals to the brain effectively.

In this context, factors such as aging, exposure to loud noises, infections, and certain medical conditions can lead to the degeneration of inner ear structures or the auditory nerve. Unlike conductive hearing loss, which can result from obstructions or physical abnormalities in the outer or middle ear, sensorineural hearing loss reflects a more systemic or neurological problem.

The other options don't fit the primary contributors to sensorineural hearing loss as they relate to conductive hearing loss. For instance, an obstruction of the auditory canal, external ear infections, and earwax buildup typically involve issues that impede sound transmission through the outer or middle ear, rather than the inner ear or the auditory pathways, which are the central concerns in sensorineural hearing loss.