11^th European Otolaryngology-ENT Surgery Conference

Hearing Impairment and Deafness Causes

Hearing impairment and deafness can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from genetic factors to environmental influences. Genetic mutations are a significant cause, with numerous genes identified that contribute to both congenital and progressive hearing loss. These genetic factors can result in the malfunction or absence of critical proteins required for normal auditory function. Additionally, prenatal infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, and complications during birth, such as hypoxia, can lead to congenital hearing loss. Hearing impairment can also develop later in life due to genetic predispositions that manifest with age or through progressive conditions like otosclerosis, Environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of hearing impairment and deafness as well. Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as those encountered in certain occupational settings or through recreational activities like listening to loud music, can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Infections such as otitis media, meningitis, or measles can damage the structures of the inner ear or the auditory nerve, leading to hearing impairment. Ototoxic medications, including certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can also damage the ear's hair cells or auditory nerve, resulting in hearing loss. Furthermore, age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is a common condition affecting older adults, attributed to the cumulative effect of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors over time.