What Causes Hearing Loss?

Around 20% of the population has some form of hearing loss. But the issue that causes them to experience hearing loss can vary. As with most things related to the human body, there’s no single cause that contributes to a combination. When it comes to hearing, people can find that their hearing fades for one or more reasons. We’ll run through some of the most common causes, and offer advice on what you can do.

Exposure to loud noises

The ear is sensitive and can be damaged if it’s exposed to loud noise, and especially so if it’s repeatedly exposed to loud noises over a long period. While sometimes exposure to loud noise can result in temporary hearing loss, things can become permanent if it becomes a regular occurrence. For this reason, it’s important to wear earbuds if you work in a loud environment or attend a lot of concerts.

Sensorineural hearing loss

If the inner nerves and hair cells of the ear are damaged, then sensorineural hearing loss can occur. How this happens varies from person to person. It involves, as outlined above, exposure to loud noises. The most common reason for this type of hearing loss is due to old age. Over time, they can be damaged just through the regular wear and tear of living. While there’s no cure for this type of hearing loss, it can be successfully treated with a hearing device.

Conductive hearing loss

This is a type of hearing loss that happens because of an obstruction in the ear. It could be for many reasons, but the most common causes are a build of earwax and ear infection. To overcome the issue, it could be that surgery or medicine are required, at which stage hearing is likely to return.

Preventing hearing loss

Though there are some factors that cannot be managed, such as genetics, many of the causes of hearing loss can be actively managed to reduce the severity. An example of this is reducing exposure to loud noises. Even if it is down to genetics and old age, it’s still important to take a proactive stance. Hearing loss can worsen over time, but it can be slowed down if treatment is sought as soon as possible. 

On average, people tend to wait five years from the first signs of hearing loss before they seek treatment. With so many treatment options available, there’s no reason to wait – especially since handling the issue can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. 

To understand what is causing your hearing loss, as well to find a solution that works for you, then it’s important that you make an appointment with an audiologist. They’ll be able to determine the underlying causes and provide lifestyle tips that’ll help to prevent the hearing loss from worsening. If a hearing aid is required, they will present you with the various models available and can even fit the device for you.