Hearing loss

Partial or complete diminution of auditory sensitivity relative to age-appropriate norms, resulting from conductive, sensorineural, or mixed pathology affecting the peripheral or central auditory pathways.

Causes

• Conductive hearing loss

  • Earwax (cerumen impaction)

  • Otitis media

  • Ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation)

  • Otosclerosis

  • External ear canal obstruction

  • Middle ear fluid accumulation

• Sensorineural hearing loss

  • Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)

  • Loud noise exposure

  • Ototoxic medications: Aminoglycoside, loop diuretics, chemotherapy

  • Viral infections: Mumps, measles

  • Meningitis

  • Ménière's disease

  • Hypertension

  • Diabetes mellitus

• Other causes

  • Acoustic neuroma

  • Head trauma

  • Congenital hearing disorders

  • Genetic causes

  • Central auditory processing disorders

  • Neurological diseases affecting auditory pathways