Differential Diagnosis for Hearing Loss without Trauma
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Presbycusis: This is the most common cause of hearing loss in adults, especially those over 65 years old. It is a gradual, age-related decline in hearing ability, particularly affecting high-frequency sounds.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Otosclerosis: A condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear causes hearing loss, often affecting young adults.
- Meniere's disease: A disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, causing vertigo, tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss.
- Noise-induced hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
- Middle ear infections: Recurrent or chronic infections can cause hearing loss due to fluid buildup or damage to the middle ear structures.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Acoustic neuroma: A rare, benign tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
- Stroke or cerebrovascular accident: Hearing loss can be a symptom of a stroke, particularly if it affects the brainstem or auditory pathways.
- Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can cause hearing loss, among other symptoms, due to damage to the central nervous system.
- Ototoxicity: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy, can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss.
- Rare diagnoses
- Usher syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes progressive hearing loss and vision loss.
- Pendred syndrome: A genetic disorder that causes hearing loss and thyroid problems.
- Autoimmune inner ear disease: A rare condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, causing hearing loss and vertigo.
- Cochlear otosclerosis: A rare condition where abnormal bone growth in the inner ear causes hearing loss.