Final answer:
Postnatal hearing loss can occur due to labyrinthitis, ear infections, exposure to loud noises, and genetic factors. Sensorineural hearing loss, often caused by damage to hair cells due to loud noise, is not reversible. Conductive hearing loss, involving blockages or mechanical issues in the ear, may be treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cause of postnatal hearing loss can be due to a variety of factors, including labyrinthitis, ear infections, exposure to loud noise, and genetic factors. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type, which can stem from multiple causes such as aging, infections, head or acoustic trauma, and environmental effects like noise exposure. For example, regular exposure to loud music or construction equipment can kill the tiny hair cells lining the cochlea, leading to permanent damage since these cells do not generally regenerate. Genetic factors can also predispose individuals to hearing loss. In contrast, conductive hearing loss involves a failure to efficiently conduct sound vibrations to the cochlea and can involve issues such as blockages or damage to the ossicles. Treatments may vary from hearing aids, which amplify sounds, to cochlear implants that directly stimulate the auditory nerve in cases where conventional aids are insufficient.