Deafness

Loss of hearing can be caused by a number of factors.  In some cases, it is congenital (birth defect).  Acquired hearing loss is caused by infections, stiffening of the ossicles, trauma to the temporal bone, exposure to loud sound, drugs or chemicals, tumors, and aging.   Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent.  Temporary hearing loss is known as conductive hearing loss, which involves disorders of the outer and middle ear that prevent sound vibrations from reaching the inner ear.  Permanent loss is called sensorineural hearing loss, which involves the inner ear.  Deafness is treated according to the cause.  Many forms of acquired hearing loss can be surgically treated, and normal hearing can often be fully restored.  Some forms of congenital hearing loss can be treated with surgery, although most require use of hearing aids which adjust the level of sound and filter some background noise.  Cochlear implants help those with severe or profound deafness who do not benefit from hearing aids.  They are electronic devices that restore partial hearing when surgically implanted in the inner ear.