Measles, meningitis and other illnesses can cause permanent hearing loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 10 children who contract measles suffer from ear infections which may lead to permanent hearing loss. Certain viral infections can directly damage the inner ear, causing sudden sensorineural hearing loss. These include measles, rubella (German measles), HIV, West Nile virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and mumps. This kind of hearing loss may occur in one or both ears.