Causes of disabling hearing loss globally

Data shows hearing loss to have various causes, the most common of which are Chronic otitis media (COM), impacted wax, presbycusis, ototoxicity and meningitis.

In some countries, meningitis, mumps, and measles, plus some perinatal factors were reported as the main causes, while COM and impacted wax were rare.

Disabling hearing loss is a hearing loss of more than 40 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear for adults and more than 30 dB for children.

Normal hearing is a range of decibel levels starting from 0 dBHL to 20 dBHL.