Sudden hearing loss is a serious problem that afflicts a small percentage of people.

The idea of suddenly losing your hearing can be a frightening feeling.

Understanding the different types and what causes it can help you to avoid this problem.

When you lose your hearing there is a possibility that it might not just be temporarily, but possibly permanent.
 
 
There are several causes for sudden hearing loss.

• The first major category of causes for sudden hearing loss is conductive hearing loss.

  You may be suffering from conductive hearing loss if you have a middle ear infection, or a perforated ear drum.

  Another aspect of hearing loss that falls into the category of conductive hearing loss is a blockage of your outer ear by ear wax.

  In addition to having an ear infection or a perforated ear drum, there are several other much less common causes of conductive hearing loss.

• The second major category of causes for sudden hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss.

  Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the hairs in the ear heading towards the inner ear.

  This type of hearing loss if often at fault in cases involving age.

  Trauma to your brain can also cause this type of hearing loss.

  Certain drugs and viral infections are also part of the category of causes of sensorineural hearing loss.

  Other neurological conditions including brain tumors and multiple sclerosis are part of the vast number of causes of sudden hearing loss known as sensorineural hearing loss.

While conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss are the two major categories of hearing loss, they do not include every possibility of hearing loss.

However, if you stay healthy, and avoid diseases and antibiotics that are too powerful, you will be much safer and likely avoid having any trouble with sudden hearing loss.