Hearing is the ability to perceive sound. Human beings may lose their ability to hear sounds for a variety of reasons, including illness and aging. Hearing loss may range from a mild inability to perceive certain sounds at certain decibels to an inability to perceive sound at all.
Congenital Hearing Loss
Congenital hearing loss refers to a hearing loss that is genetic in origin. Certain conditions can cause hearing loss because of chromosomal abnormalities. Examples of diseases that cause congenital hearing loss include Treacher-Collins syndrome, Alport syndrome, Down syndrome and Crouzon syndrome. Many of these medical conditions also cause other abnormalities such as kidney problems, cranial disfigurement and vision loss. Corrections for congenital hearing loss may range from a simple conductive headband worn on the head to replace ear development malformations to cochlear implants to help correct full-blown deafness.
Prematurity
Premature infants are at risk for hearing loss. According to a report by David E. Trachtenbarg, M.D., and Thomas B. Goleman, M.D., in the May 1 issue of the American Family Physician, roughly 5 percent of babies born before 32 weeks have significant hearing loss by the time they are five years of age. All infants are screened for hearing loss so that any potential problems may be corrected early with intensive therapies and technological devices such as hearing aids.
Infections
Ear infections, also known as otitis media, occur after an inflammation of the middle ear as a result of the buildup of fluid. Ear infections are common among children. Most are harmless. However, severe ear infections involving the inner ear and repeated ear infections may cause long-term hearing loss in young children. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults because their eustachian tubes are smaller and narrower than an adults. Ear infections can lead to damage of the bones in the middle ear and make it more difficult for them to carry sounds. Hearing loss may be temporary, or it may be permanent after repeated infections.
Medication
Taking certain medications in high dosages may result in hearing loss. Drugs that are damaging to the auditory system are known as ototoxic drugs. Examples of such drugs include aspirin, chemotherapy drugs, diuretics and certain antibiotics. People may have no choice but to balance the risks of hearing loss with the risks of illness such as cancers.
Aging
As people age, their ability to perceive sounds is often compromised. This process can begin as early as your twenties. Age-related hearing decline is called presbycusis. Presbycusis is a common condition that many people begin to notice in their fifties. Old age hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids.
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