What are the Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that affects millions of Americans each year. For those experiencing changes in their hearing, understanding the potential causes is crucial.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis. This condition typically affects individuals over the age of 65 and progresses gradually over time. As people age, the hair cells in the inner ear can become damaged or die, leading to a decline in hearing ability. Your audiologist can assess the degree of hearing loss and recommend hearing aids to help manage the condition effectively.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Exposure to loud noises is another significant cause of hearing loss. This can occur suddenly after an intense sound like an explosion, or gradually due to prolonged exposure to high noise levels, often in occupational settings. Noise-induced hearing loss damages the hair cells in the cochlea, which are responsible for translating sound waves into electrical signals for the brain. Experts emphasize the importance of wearing hearing protection in noisy environments to mitigate the impact of noise-induced hearing loss.

Ear Infections and Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions and infections can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Ear infections, particularly in children, can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to conductive hearing loss. Conditions such as otosclerosis, which involves abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, and Meniere’s disease, which affects the inner ear, can also result in hearing loss.

While some conditions might be treated medically, this isn’t the case for all. That’s why an audiologist can recommend hearing aids to help you manage long-term hearing challenges.

Earwax Buildup

Earwax buildup is a common, often temporary cause of hearing loss. Cerumen, or earwax, naturally protects the ear canal, but excessive accumulation can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum. This type of conductive hearing loss can usually be resolved through earwax removal, by an audiologist.

Ototoxic Medications

Certain medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect. These include some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and high doses of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Genetic Factors

Hearing loss can also be hereditary. Genetic factors may predispose individuals to hearing loss, either present at birth or developing later in life. Genetic hearing loss can vary in severity and may be associated with other syndromes or conditions.

Trauma and Head Injuries

Trauma to the head or ear can cause hearing loss. This may result from accidents, sports injuries or sudden intense pressure changes. Damage to the ear structures, like the eardrum, ossicles or inner ear, can lead to varying degrees of hearing loss. An audiologist will play a critical role in evaluating and treating trauma-related hearing loss, often recommending hearing aids.

Hearing loss can arise from a variety of causes, including age, noise exposure, medical conditions, earwax buildup, ototoxic medications, genetic factors and trauma. Audiologists can provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and recommend effective treatments, like hearing aids, to improve your hearing and overall quality of life.