What are the Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is something that most people anticipate will affect them at some point in life. Hearing loss is associated with aging more than anything, but did you know that there are far more things to consider when it comes to losing your hearing? While you can inherit hearing loss (thanks, mom!), it's something that can happen as you get older, and it's something that can happen with a range of other causes, too.

We've put together everything you need to know about correcting your hearing loss and supporting it the best way you can. This comes with the help of an audiologist who will test your hearing and recommend a treatment plan for you. With this in mind, here are some of the most common causes of hearing loss:

Middle ear disease

The tiny bones in the ear help your hearing, yet when you have middle ear disease, you can end up working with conductive hearing loss. This is a condition that can be fixed with surgery, so you may be able to get some of your hearing back.

Exposure to loud noise

Prolonged exposure to extreme noise is a sure way to lose your hearing. You will find that your hearing changes with exposure to loud noise, and it's not always sudden. It can be a gradual disappearance as the noise damages the fine hair in your ear canal, which interrupts the way your brain interprets sound.

Ménière's disease

An issue in the inner ear, the cause is often unknown. Often, if you have this condition, you are dealing with ringing in the ear and dizziness, too. Sensitivity to loud noises may also be a worry, and the hearing loss initially is intermittent before it then turns into a permanent loss.

Inner ear disease

This usually occurs with an autoimmune disease, and the hearing loss here happens quickly. Seeing a medical professional is important in these cases as they can work with your audiologist to develop a treatment plan for your hearing.

Acoustic neuroma

This is a type of tumor that causes hearing loss, and it can even give you the feeling as if your ears are full. It can cause ringing in your ears, and you will possibly need surgery in this case because you need to have your ears and the canal cleared to hear better.

Head injury

Traumatic brain injuries can cause damage to the eardrum as well as damage to the middle ear. This can happen in any sport and any accident on the road.

Aging

Lastly, as you get older, you can find your hearing declines, and this is a problem if you are worried about your age and your hearing together. Speaking to your audiologist will help you ascertain whether your hearing loss is because of your age or another factor. The best thing to do is book an appointment today and see what they say!