Hearing Loss as a Result of Common and Rare Medical Conditions: Clinical Findings, Management Options, and Prevention Strategies

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that hearing loss affects 36 million American adults.[1] This number has substantially increased over the past two decades, and with the first of the baby boomers reaching age 65 by 2011, the prevalence of hearing loss is expected to continue to rise. Hearing impairment is common, and it can affect all individuals, at any age. The disorders and conditions that induce hearing loss are numerous and can be caused by age, disease, inherited abnormalities, medications, infections, inner ear malformation, perforation, and even objects occluding the external auditory canal. Dizziness and imbalance are also common sequelae of hearing disorders. The disorders not only impede one's ability to effectively communicate but can limit activities of daily living and ultimately lead to psychological and social consequences. For these reasons, understanding hearing loss and associated disorders leading to impairment is an immense concern for patients and practitioners.

This edition of Seminars in Hearing provides a comprehensive overview on some common disorders that could produce hearing loss and an introduction to less known conditions seen in audiological and vestibular clinics. This issue contains six articles; each supplies an in-depth review of a disorder leading to hearing impairment, the varied clinical presentations, severity and progression of the disorder, case examples, advanced otologic and audiological treatment approaches, and guidelines for increasing awareness leading to prevention and proper management of the condition.

This issue does not attempt to review all disorders leading to hearing loss, but rather it is intended that these articles will serve as a comprehensive and timely overview of the selected disorders. This edition could not have been accomplished without the support and assistance of many colleagues, staff, and students. The final product reflects the outstanding efforts from the entire team. First, I would like to acknowledge and thank each of the authors for agreeing to contribute and providing exceptional work for this edition. Second, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Heidi Menard and the Doctor of Audiology students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for their assistance in reviewing the articles. Finally, I would like to thank Catherine Palmer for allowing me this opportunity to step outside of my “vestibular” niche to prepare this issue. Enjoy!

REFERENCES

• 1 National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Health Info., Statistics and Epidemiology, Quick Statistics. 2010.  http://www.nided.nih.gov/health/statistics/Pages/quick.aspx Accessed September 26, 2011;