Nicholas Is Prone to Sinus Infections

Nicholas is prone to sinus infections. Lately his mother has noticed he doesn't seem to hear her when she is standing behind him. Which of the following best explains Nicholas's condition?

A) Fluid associated with Nicholas's infection is inhibiting movement of the auditory ossicles, resulting in conductive hearing loss.
B) Bacteria from the sinus infection have disrupted normal action potential propagation, causing damage to the spiral organ.
C) Nicholas's sinus infection is compressing nerves that transmit action potentials from the ear to the brain.
D) Nicholas's sinus infection would not affect his hearing, and he is just ignoring his mother.