Causes of Hearing Loss

There are two basic types of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. It is sometimes called nerve type hearing loss. It is usually permanent and not curable with medication or surgery. Conductive hearing loss results from an abnormality of the outer or middle ear. It is usually temporary and may be treatable with medication or surgery. Hearing loss may occur in a person of any age.

Causes of Sensorineural hearing loss

Acoustic neuroma
Congenital hearing loss
Genetic hearing loss
Head trauma
Meniere's Disease
Ototoxic drugs
Presbycusis
Vascular problems
Viral diseases

Noise-induced hearing loss
Hearing Loss from noise is cumulative. It is a function of sound intensity and duration. Listening to even moderately loud sounds (90 to 100 dB) for 15 minutes day after day can cause permanent damage. Keep in mind that for every 5 dB louder than 85 dB, the amount of time you can be exposed without permanent damage is reduced by one half.


Causes of conductive hearing loss

Cholesteatoma
Collapsed ear canal
Eardrum perforation
Excessive or impacted earwax
Otitis externa
Otitis media
Otosclerosis