Ear infections are the most common illness in young children. Major risk factors are children who are repeatedly exposed to colds and other viruses,Hereditary, Breathing in tobacco smoke, Lying down with a feeding bottle can cause ear problems as well. Ear problems may affect the Inner ear, middle ear or Outer ear.

In Adults:
- Excessive noise exposure.
- Presbycusis-impairment of acute hearing in old age
- Tumors and other space occupying lesions
- Vascular and circulatory disorders.
- Hereditary

In Children:
*Middle Ear problems:
- Otitis media(Inflammation of the middle ear ).It is common in children.
*Congenital(acquired during fetal development):
-Craniofacial Anomalies
-Family history of hearing loss
-Congenital infections

Other:
-Bacterial meningitis
-Head trauma
-Ototoxic medications
-Childhood Infectious diseases(mumps,measles).