Other Types and Causes of Hearing Loss
Besides noise exposure, there are several other factors that can cause permanent or temporary hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss occurs when something is blocking sound from reaching the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss is usually correctable. It can be caused by fluid in the middle ear from ear infections, allergies, and/or benign tumors, impacted earwax, the presence of a foreign object in the ear, or the absence or malformation of the outer ear, ear canal, or middle ear.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or to the nerve pathways that lead from the inner ear to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and cannot be medically or surgically corrected. Causes include diseases, birth injury, drugs that are toxic to the auditory system, genetic syndromes, noise exposure, viruses, aging, and head trauma.
Tinnitus is often described as ringing in the ears or "head noise." It affects as many as 50 million Americans. Tinnitus can occur with or without hearing loss, may be constant or intermittent, and can severely interfere with quality of life.
Causes include exposure to loud noise, allergies, and certain medications such as aspirin and some antibiotics.
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