Final answer:
The common causes of hearing loss include problems in the middle or inner ear, such as blockage in the ear canal or damage to the cochlea. Cochlear implants are electronic devices that can restore hearing in individuals with nonfunctional cochleas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hearing loss can occur due to problems in the middle or inner ear. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by blockage in the ear canal, a hole in the eardrum, problems with the ossicles, or fluid in the space between the eardrum and cochlea. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by aging, head or acoustic trauma, infections, medications, tumors, and toxins. Cochlear implants are electronic devices that can be used to restore hearing in individuals with nonfunctional cochleas. They consist of a microphone, a speech processor, and an electrode array.