This section deals with the biology of deafness and hearing loss. To learn about the different ways of classifying deafness, click on Types of Deafness.

Deafness can be caused by very many factors, some of which can make deafness permanent, while others only lead to temporary deafness. For more about the causes of deafness, click here.

Hearing is made possible through a complex process involving the inner, middle, outer ears, the cochlea, the auditory nerve, and the brain. Learn more about the biology of ears.