From the Guidelines
Hearing loss can result from various etiologies, and the most likely causes include sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. The etiologies of hearing loss are diverse and can be categorized into different types, including congenital, infectious, noise-induced, age-related, and medication-related causes.
- Sensorineural hearing loss is a common type of hearing loss that occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, and it can be caused by factors such as age, noise exposure, and certain medications 1.
- Conductive hearing loss, on the other hand, occurs when there is a problem with the way sound is conducted to the inner ear, and it can be caused by factors such as earwax buildup, middle ear infections, and perforated eardrums. Some of the other options listed, such as vascular occlusive disease and cerebral neoplasia, may not be directly related to hearing loss, while aphasia is a language disorder that is not typically associated with hearing loss. The most appropriate answer is b (Sensorineural) and e (Conductive), as these are two of the most common types of hearing loss. It is essential to note that early identification and treatment of the underlying cause of hearing loss can sometimes prevent permanent hearing loss, and a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause of hearing loss and develop an effective treatment plan 1.
From the Research
Etiologies of Hearing Loss
The following are potential etiologies that may result in hearing loss:
- Vascular occlusive disease: This condition can lead to hearing loss, as seen in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL), which is characterized by abruptly appearing hearing loss, sometimes accompanied by vertigo, and is often caused by vascular pathologies such as cochlear ischemia or cochlear infarction 2.
- Sensorineural: This type of hearing loss is related to problems with the inner ear or the nerves that connect the inner ear to the brain, and can be caused by various factors, including age-related hearing loss, infections, and genetic etiologies 3, 4.
Other Options
The other options listed are not directly related to hearing loss:
- Aphasia: This is a condition that affects an individual's ability to communicate effectively, but it is not typically considered a cause of hearing loss.
- Cerebral neoplasia: This refers to the presence of a tumor in the brain, which may have various effects on an individual's health, but is not typically a direct cause of hearing loss.
- Conductive: While conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss, the question asks for etiologies that may result in hearing loss, and conductive hearing loss is more of a classification of hearing loss rather than a cause 3, 4.