Question:

What are the causes of deafness?

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Regular hearing check-ups and avoiding exposure to loud sounds can help prevent some types of hearing loss.
Updated On: Oct 6, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Deafness can be caused by several factors, which may be either genetic, environmental, or due to an injury or illness. Some of the main causes of deafness are:

Genetic Factors: Inherited conditions or genetic mutations can lead to hearing loss, either from birth or developing later in life.
Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis): As people age, the sensory cells in the inner ear may degrade, leading to gradual hearing loss.
Infections: Certain infections, such as meningitis or measles, can cause hearing loss. Otitis media (middle ear infection) is also a common cause of temporary hearing loss in children.
Loud Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds or sudden loud noises (like explosions) can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Trauma or Injury: Injury to the head or ear can result in permanent damage to the hearing structures.
Ototoxic Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss.
Earwax Blockage: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal and prevent sound from reaching the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss.

Conclusion:
Deafness can occur due to various factors, including genetic, environmental, and medical causes. Prevention and early diagnosis are important for managing hearing loss.
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