Hearing problems can have temporary or permanent complications. The ear consists of inner, middle and outer parts that work together to produce the function of hearing. Problems with one or more parts of the ear can cause hearing problems and disease is one of the major causes. Many disorders and diseases can affect the hearing in adults and children. Diseases can affect the ear primarily or secondarily because of reaction from other bodily functions.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a disease that involves the middle part of the ear. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that the disease causes abnormal bone growth in the middle ear and prevents the ear from working properly. The disease can cause a conductive type of hearing loss and affects the tiny bones in the middle ear. Mild to severe hearing problems can result from the disease and it tends to run in families. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but age, viral infections, and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may trigger the condition, according to the NIDCD.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is a condition of the inner ear that can occur at any age. Alterations to inner ear fluids can cause the disease and trigger from genetic predisposition, viral infections, improper fluid drainage and injury, according to Mayo Clinic. The disorder usually only affects one ear and may result in full hearing loss. The primary symptoms of the disease include pressure in the ear, tinnitus, vertigo and hearing loss. Symptoms tend to go away between attacks, but over time can worsen. There is currently no cure for the disease.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an infectious disease that inflames the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The disease can affect individuals at any age and certain forms of the disease are contagious. Viral and bacterial meningitis are the most common forms of the disease, but it may also occur from injury, reaction to medication and other diseases.
The bacterial form of meningitis is the leading cause of hearing problems because of its direct affect on the brain and the body’s response to it, according to Deafness Research UK. Hearing problems as it relate to the disease associate with the cochlea, which is an auditory part of the ear. Symptoms of the disease include headache, high temperature, back pain, headache and hearing loss.
