Causes of Hearing Loss

Congenital Hearing Loss

Congenital hearing loss means that hearing loss is present at birth. The hearing loss can result from genetic factors or issues during pregnancy. Most babies will have their hearing screened before leaving the hospital or shortly after birth. However, this screening may miss mild hearing loss.

Genetic Factors

Hearing loss can run in families. Some babies with congenital hearing loss will have parents with hearing loss. The majority of babies with genetic hearing loss have two parents with normal hearing, but one or both of the parents carry genes that can cause hearing loss in their children. Genetic hearing loss may be present at birth or develop later in life.

Hearing loss may be a part of some genetic syndromes. Syndromes that frequently include hearing loss include:

• Down syndrome
• Usher syndrome
• Treacher Collins syndrome
• Pendred syndrome
• Crouzon syndrome
• Alport syndrome
• Waardenburg syndrome

Non-genetic Factors

Several conditions during pregnancy and birth can lead to hearing loss in newborns:

• infections like rubella, herpes, or cytomegalovirus in a mother during pregnancy
• premature birth leading to underdeveloped hearing mechanisms
• low birth weight
• maternal diabetes
• lack of oxygen (anoxia) to the baby during birth
• birth injuries or trauma during delivery
• drug and alcohol use while pregnant or exposure to other harmful substances
• jaundice and Rh factor problems (blood incompatibilities)
• high blood pressure while pregnant (preeclampsia)

Acquired Hearing Loss

Acquired hearing loss develops after birth. It can happen at any age and for many reasons.

Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Otitis media is common in children because of the way a child's ears develop. Children’s eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, are shorter and more horizontal than adults’ eustachian tubes. They do not drain as well, and fluid can build up in the middle ear. The fluid can cause temporary hearing loss.

This fluid can become infected with bacteria or viruses, often following a cold or respiratory illness. If untreated, repeated infections can cause permanent hearing loss. Sometimes, even after the infection is gone, fluid remains trapped in the middle ear, leading to ongoing hearing difficulties.

If infections happen often or last a long time, they can affect speech and language development. Immediate medical treatment, including antibiotics or ear tubes in severe cases, can help prevent complications and long-term hearing damage.

Ototoxic Medications

Some medicines can harm the ear's hearing structures. Known as ototoxic medications, they can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing or other sounds in one or both ears), or balance problems. More than 200 ototoxic medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, can damage hearing. These medicines include treatments for severe infections, cancer, and heart disease.

Stopping the drug may improve hearing difficulties. However, in some cases, the damage is permanent. People taking drugs that can damage hearing should talk with their doctor about risks and whether different treatments are available.

Illnesses And Infections

Certain illnesses can damage parts of the ear, including:

• meningitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord lining
• measles, a viral infection
• mumps, a viral infection that may cause hearing loss, usually only in one ear
• chickenpox, a viral infection
• encephalitis, brain inflammation
• influenza, a viral infection

Head Injuries

Trauma to the head can damage the ear or areas of the brain responsible for hearing. Head injuries can result from falls, accidents, or sports injuries.

Exposure to Loud Sounds

Loud sounds can harm the inner ear's structures and cause permanent hearing loss. Loud sounds may include:

• listening to music at high volumes, especially with headphones
• workplace noise, such as machinery, construction, or loud tools
• explosions, such as fireworks or gunfire, especially without ear protection

Other Causes of Hearing Loss

Acoustic Neuroma

An acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor. Along with hearing loss, it can cause tinnitus (ringing or other sounds in one or both ears) and a feeling like your ears are full. You need medical management for an acoustic neuroma.

Aging

As people age, the inner ear's structures may not work as well, leading to gradual hearing loss.

Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

In an autoimmune disorder, your body attacks itself. Hearing loss from this condition happens fast. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you suddenly lose your hearing. Medical treatment can help keep hearing loss to a minimum.

Ménière's Disease

This inner-ear disorder can cause hearing loss, which sometimes changes over time. The specific cause is unknown. Dizziness and tinnitus (ringing or other sounds in one or both ears) are also common. It may cause sensitivity to loud sounds as well.

Otosclerosis

In this disease, the tiny bones in the middle ear don't move properly. It is often treated with surgery.

Physical Blockages

Objects or earwax buildup can block the ear canal, causing temporary hearing loss. Regular cleaning and keeping objects out of the ear can prevent this.

Finding Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing difficulties, an audiologist can help.

To find an audiologist near you, visit ProFind.