Hearing loss ranges from temporary to permanent. Common causes of temporary hearing loss include ear infections, fluid in the ears, or illnesses. However, there are also some cases of permanent hearing loss, where hearing aids or surgery are often the only treatment options. Here are some causes of permanent hearing loss.
Intrauterine Infections
A variety of infections can lead to hearing loss, which can occur at any age. However, when a baby is born with permanent hearing loss, it is often from an infection they got while in the womb. There are a few different infections that can be transferred to the baby while the mother is pregnant with them, including herpes simplex virus, rubella, and cytomegalovirus. This is why it is so important that the mother get regular medical care to look for early warning signs of such conditions. Hearing loss from these infections is often treatable only with hearing aids.
Otitis Media
A very common cause for hearing loss of the middle ear is with a condition called otitis media. This causes inflammation of the area behind the ear drum, which is referred to as the middle ear. This typically starts with fluid like water being built up in the area, which then causes inflammation and a possible infection. If it goes untreated, it could lead to permanent hearing loss. If you or your child exhibits sign of fluid in the ears or partial hearing loss, see a doctor right away. If you can get it treated soon enough, you might avoid permanent loss of hearing.
Otosclerosis
Another form of permanent hearing loss that comes from the middle ear is called otosclerosis. However, instead of being from an infection or fluid in the middle ear, this is a genetic condition. Your child is born with this condition, though you might not notice the hearing loss until they are in their teens or even early adulthood. The hearing loss tends to be gradual, but is also permanent and requires hearing aids. With otosclerosis, there is an extra bone inside the middle ear that eventually blocks sound.
Hearing loss from other infections and trauma may be permanent, but in many cases, earl treatment can help prevent needing hearing aids for the rest of your life. If you have any issues with your ears or hearing, it is best to consult your doctor right away. It is possible that you can prevent having a permanent condition. Contact a practice, such as Jacobs Clinical Diagnostics, for more information.
Share
