Hearing Loss Resource Center

Understanding Hearing Loss Related Topics:
	Causes of Hearing Loss
	How Hearing is Tested in Children
	Hearing Screening vs. Evaluation
	Frequently Asked Questions
	Glossary
	Ask a Parent Guide

Causes of Hearing Loss

Genetic: Hearing loss can be inherited. A child can either be born with a hearing loss or experience progressive hearing loss during the first few years of life or sometimes in early adulthood.

In-utero complications:

Viral infections including: cytomegalovirus, rubella, herpes simplex, syphilis, toxoplasmosis (caused by a protozoan parasite), Erythroblastosis fetalis (caused by Rh incompatibility)
Ototoxic drugs: about 200 drugs have been labeled ototoxic due to their ability to cause toxic reactions to inner ear structures. Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as streptomycin and cancer chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and carboplatin can cause permanent hearing loss. Loop diuretics, salicylates and quinine usually cause temporary hearing loss.
Teratogenic drugs such as Accutane can cross the placenta to cause damage to the ear as well as the central nervous system, and head and neck.
Anoxia
Birth Trauma

Childhood illness/injury

Viral infections such as: measles, mumps, chicken pox, infectious mononucleosis

Bacterial infections such as meningitis (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitis, and Hemophilus influenzae type b are the most common organisms associated with meningitis.)

Neoplastic disorders such as leukemia, histiocytosis X and neuroblastoma

Metabolic disorders

Autoimmune disease

Head trauma