Ace the Certified Disability Management Specialist Exam 2025 – Unlock Your Path to CDMS Success!

The correct answer is related to acoustic trauma, which is a significant cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear structures, specifically the hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve pathways. Acoustic trauma typically refers to permanent damage caused by exposure to loud sounds or noises, such as explosions, gunfire, or loud machinery. This type of trauma can lead to irreversible changes in the inner ear, resulting in difficulty hearing certain frequencies and understanding speech.

While age-related hearing loss is also a contributing factor, it's primarily categorized as presbycusis, which typically develops gradually over time. It is often a mix of sensorineural and conductive hearing issues, but not classified strictly as acoustic trauma. Earwax buildup can lead to conductive hearing loss by obstructing sound vibrations but does not cause sensorineural damage. Lastly, exposure to cold temperatures may lead to temporary hearing issues due to eustachian tube dysfunction or swelling in the ear but is not a direct cause of sensorineural hearing loss.