Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss has many causes, ranging from genetic (hereditary) to acquired (happens later in life). Here are some of the several causes of hearing loss covered by About.com.

Top ten causes of deafness and hearing loss

About.com readers share what caused their hearing loss or their child's hearing loss. Causes of hearing loss are greatly varied and include commonly known causes such as rubella or meningitis.

Not everyone is born with hearing impairment - sometimes it happens all of a sudden, without warning.

How does a person who has been hearing their whole life, cope with the sudden loss of hearing?

Ear injuries caused by foreign objects such as cotton swabs or small toys can perforate or puncture the eardrum and cause hearing loss.

Ototoxicity is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. When taken or administered, some drugs can cause the patient to become deaf or hard of hearing.

Genetics and hearing loss and resources for more information including websites, books, and organizations doing research.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may cause the baby to be born with a hearing loss, or prone to problems such as otitis media that can lead to a hearing loss.

Definition of Goldenhar Syndrome.

Definition of mondini syndrome, a cause of hearing loss.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a cause of hearing loss.

Many studies have found evidence of a link between smoking and hearing loss.

Secondhand smoke exposure may be a cause of hearing loss, even among nonsmokers.

Viagra has frequently been in the news as a possible cause of hearing loss.