What is hearing loss? Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. Depending on the cause, it can range from mild to severe and can be reversible, temporary, or permanent. Hearing loss is also known as hearing impairment, which includes being born without hearing (congenital hearing loss). This topic focus...

The causes of hearing loss may be congenital (present at birth) - genetic, use of ototoxic drugs during pregnancy, prenatal rubella in expectant mothers, infections during pregnancy, perinatal anoxia (fetal oxygen lack), or Rh blood disease. Or, the cause may be acquired hearing loss - noise exposure, presbycusis, infections that affect the middle ...

Appropriately chosen, properly fitted, and regularly checked, hearing aids can greatly improve the quality of life for hearing-impaired persons. They are prescribed according to the type and severity of hearing loss, how well someone can manipulate the aid, and the condition of the ear canal. They work by amplifying sound and are most effective in ...