5 Diseases That May Cause Hearing Loss
Originally published April 1, 2019. Refreshed August 2026.
Although hearing loss is often associated with aging, noise exposure, or genetics, certain diseases and medical conditions can also affect hearing. Some may directly affect the structures of the inner or middle ear, while others can interfere with the nerves and pathways that transmit sound information to the brain.
Here are five conditions that may contribute to hearing loss:
1. Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease affects the inner ear and can cause episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. The condition is associated with changes in the fluid within the inner ear.
Hearing loss from Ménière’s disease often begins in one ear and may fluctuate during the early stages. Over time, some people experience more permanent hearing loss. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the frequency or severity of episodes. Depending on the individual, treatment may include dietary changes, medications, hearing aids, or other medical interventions.
2. Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that most commonly causes swollen salivary glands, fever, headache, and other flu-like symptoms. While less common today because of widespread vaccination, mumps can cause complications, including hearing loss.
The mumps virus can damage structures within the inner ear and, in rare cases, cause sudden sensorineural hearing loss. There is no specific medication that cures mumps, making prevention through vaccination especially important.
If hearing loss occurs, an audiologist can evaluate the degree and type of hearing loss and discuss appropriate treatment options, which may include hearing aids or, in more severe cases, cochlear implants.
3. German Measles
German measles, also known as rubella, is a viral infection that can cause a mild rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Like mumps, rubella has become much less common because of vaccination.
Rubella poses a particular risk during pregnancy. If someone contracts rubella while pregnant, the infection can cause congenital rubella syndrome, which can lead to serious complications for the developing baby, including permanent hearing loss.
Vaccination provides an important form of protection against rubella. People who are planning a pregnancy should talk with their healthcare provider about the vaccination and their individual health history.
4. Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is an abnormal remodeling or growth of bone in the middle ear that can interfere with the normal movement of the structures responsible for conducting sound. The condition most commonly causes conductive hearing loss, although some people may develop mixed hearing loss if the inner ear also becomes involved.
The primary symptom is gradual hearing loss, although tinnitus and balance problems can also occur. An audiologist can perform hearing tests to help identify the type and degree of hearing loss, while an ENT specialist can evaluate the condition and discuss treatment options.
Depending on the individual, treatment may include hearing aids or a surgical procedure such as a stapedectomy or stapedotomy.
5. Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a typically noncancerous, slow-growing tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which plays an important role in hearing and balance.
Common symptoms include hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus, dizziness, or balance problems. Some people may also experience a feeling of fullness in one ear or, as the tumor grows, facial numbness or weakness.
The exact cause of most acoustic neuromas is unknown. Regular exposure to loud noise is not considered a typical cause, although researchers continue to study potential risk factors.
Because symptoms can resemble other hearing or balance conditions, an audiologist or physician may recommend additional testing, including imaging such as an MRI, when appropriate. Treatment depends on the size and growth of the tumor and may include monitoring, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Hearing loss can have many causes, and determining the cause can help guide the right treatment. If you notice changes in your hearing, persistent tinnitus, dizziness, or hearing loss in one ear, don't ignore the symptoms.
A comprehensive hearing evaluation with an audiologist is a good first step toward understanding your hearing and determining whether additional medical evaluation may be appropriate.
