Deafness

Updated: 2020-02-07

Overview

Deafness is usually the result of inner ear or nerve damage. It may be caused by a congenital defect, injury, disease, certain medications, exposure to loud noise, or age-related wear and tear.

Symptoms

Deaf people hear very little to no sound.

Treatments

For some, hearing may be possible with surgery or a hearing device. Lip-reading skills, written or printed text, and sign language may help with communication.