Diseases & Conditions That Affect Hearing

1. Ear Infections

• Otitis media – Infection of the middle ear, common in children. Can cause temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup.
• Otitis externa ("swimmer’s ear") – Infection of the ear canal. Swelling can block sound from entering.

2. Age-related Hearing Loss

• Presbycusis – Gradual hearing loss as you age. It usually affects high-frequency sounds first.

3. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

• Caused by loud sounds (concerts, headphones, machinery).
• Can be temporary or permanent depending on exposure.

4. Earwax Blockage

• A buildup of wax can prevent sound from reaching the eardrum.

5. Meniere’s Disease

• A disorder of the inner ear causing:
  • hearing loss
  • tinnitus (ringing)
  • vertigo
• Episodes can come and go.

6. Otosclerosis

• Abnormal bone growth in the middle ear prevents proper sound conduction.

7. Acoustic Neuroma

• A benign tumor on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain.
• Causes gradual hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.

8. Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED)

• When the immune system mistakenly attacks the inner ear.

9. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)

• Rapid, unexplained loss of hearing (often in one ear).
• Needs urgent medical attention.

10. Ototoxic Medications

Some drugs can damage hearing, such as:

• certain antibiotics
• chemotherapy drugs
• high doses of aspirin or diuretics

11. Genetic Conditions

• Some people inherit conditions that cause hearing loss, such as:
  • Usher syndrome
  • Pendred syndrome
  • Waardenburg syndrome

12. Viral & Bacterial Infections

These can damage the inner ear or auditory nerve:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Meningitis
• Syphilis
• HIV
• COVID-19 (in some cases)

13. Tympanic Membrane Perforation (Eardrum Perforation)

• A hole or tear in the eardrum caused by:
  • infections
  • trauma (e.g., cotton swabs, loud blasts)
  • rapid pressure changes (barotrauma)
• Can cause:
  • temporary hearing loss
  • ear pain
  • drainage
  • increased infection risk

I will discuss each of the above Diseases & Conditions individually in future posts.