COMMON CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS
Generally, hearing loss can be categorised as congenital (by birth) or acquired (after birth). The most common causes for congenital hearing loss are:
- Genetic – hearing loss in more than half of the children is genetic in nature
- Complications during pregnancy due to infections such as like German Measles, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasmosis, Rubella etc. Certain medications (ototoxic drugs) can also damage a baby’s hearing system before birth.
- Ear malformations such as Atresia, Anotia, Microtia etc.
The most common causes for acquired hearing loss are:
- Premature birth
- Neonatal jaundice
- Infections such as Meningitis, Measles or Mumps
- Chronic ear infections such as Otitis Media or Glue Ear
- Ototoxic drugs
- Head injuries
- Hazardous levels of noise
- Sudden hearing loss
- Diabetes
- Ageing
There are three types of hearing loss based on the anatomical site of deficit in the ear, which are described here.