Our hearing is a complex system of delicate and interconnected parts. And while it can withstand much, some things are known to damage the tiny hairs (stereocilia) and nerve cells in your inner ear — which can cause or result in hearing loss. These things include loud noises, natural aging, certain medications and, in some cases, illnesses that are accompanied with high fever, like meningitis, encephalitis, mumps, and jaundice. If you’re experiencing or worried about ...