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Levels of hearing impairment vary from a mild but important loss of sensitivity, to a total loss of hearing. The largest group of Americans suffering from hearing loss is the elderly. The most common cause of hearing loss in children is otitis media, a disorder that affects predominantly infants and young children. A substantial number of hearing impairments are caused by environmental factors such as noise, drugs, and toxins. Many acquired sensorineural hearing losses may result from a genetic predisposition.
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