Differential Diagnosis for Hearing Loss in Young Adult without Trauma
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Otosclerosis: A condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes hearing loss, often affecting young adults, particularly women.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Meniere's disease: An inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing, causing vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- Noise-induced hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause permanent hearing damage, even in young adults.
- Ototoxicity: Certain medications or chemicals can damage the ear, leading to hearing loss.
- Genetic hearing loss: Some genetic conditions can cause hearing loss in young adults, even without a family history.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acoustic neuroma: A rare, non-cancerous tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause hearing loss and balance problems.
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, which can cause hearing loss, among other symptoms.
- Lyme disease: A bacterial infection that can cause hearing loss, as well as other symptoms like fever and rash.
- Rare diagnoses
- Usher syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes hearing loss and vision loss, often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
- Pendred syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes hearing loss and thyroid problems, often diagnosed in childhood.
- Autoimmune inner ear disease: A rare condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, causing hearing loss and balance problems.