The aim of the book is to provide a text which brings together the expertise from two separate disciplines applied to a shared problem; that of hearing impairment resulting from an infectious cause. The book has been written to be accessible to both disciplines.

Infection is a major contributor to loss of hearing. A key problem in addressing this is the general lack of awareness about issues related to deafness and hearing impairment in all parts of society and the specific lack of awareness regarding the role of infection in causing it. Infection and Hearing Impairment is the first book to look at infectious causes of hearing loss and impairment. It will raise awareness and stimulate interest among healthcare professionals, researchers and students of both audiological medicine and infection. Informative and accessible, the book examines: * the anatomy and function of the ear and its development to allow those unfamiliar with the ear to understand how the pathogen can affect hearing * current information on the epidemiology of hearing loss and infection * the currently recognised pathogens that can affect hearing including background information on the relevant viruses, bacteria and other pathogens * ototoxic drugs which under particular circumstances contribute to hearing impairment * current ways in which infections may be diagnosed, treated and the potential for preventing them * experiences of those who have suffered from infection-induced hearing loss Infection and Hearing Impairment will be an invaluable resource to all those engaging in much needed research in this area.