What Causes Hearing Loss?

Each type of hearing loss can have more than one cause. Some people are born predisposed to hearing loss due to genetics, while others can inherit hearing loss as something that occurs in later life. It's more common to suffer hearing loss as you get older, and there are other causes that people need to be aware of so that they can pinpoint how their hearing has become damaged. An appointment with an audiologist can rule out hearing damage before an advanced age, but it should be something that you do as part of your general health routine regardless.

Some of the leading causes of hearing loss in adults include:

Otosclerosis, a disease of the middle ear. It makes it much harder for the tiny bones in the middle ear to move and causes a conductive hearing loss. This is a condition that often requires surgery to correct. An audiologist can diagnose it at your hearing appointment.

Meniere's disease is a problem with the inner ear. The cause is unfortunately still unknown and starts in people aged 30-50 years old. Most people with Meniere's disease will have sensorineural hearing loss. Dizziness and ringing in the ears are so common, and sensitivity to loud sounds can also occur. Hearing loss is something that comes and goes, and then over time, the loss of sound is more permanent. An audiologist can assess you alongside your primary care physician and work with you to ensure that you can manage the loss over time.

Autoimmune inner ear disease happens when the body begins to attack itself, and it's a hearing loss that occurs quickly. If you suddenly lose your hearing, book yourself an appointment as an emergency and get the right medical treatment, this can keep your hearing loss to the very minimum.

Ototoxic medications are prevalent in our lives, and some of the side effects of these generic medications can cause hearing loss. Some of the medicines include:

• Antibiotics
• Aspirin in large amounts
• Loop diuretics
• Certain chemotherapy drugs.

Loud noises are a common cause of hearing loss, and noise-induced hearing loss is often something that happens over time. A sudden loud noise can cause a sudden hearing loss, but it's not one that usually stays permanent.

An acoustic neuroma is an example of a tumor that causes hearing loss and it can also cause a ringing in your ear while making you feel like your ears are full. You do need medical care for this, as it can lead to the requirement of brain surgery!

Physical head injuries can cause hearing loss because the resulting blow can cause traumatic brain injury and damage to the middle ear, which can cause hearing loss.

If you believe that you are suffering from hearing loss, don't wait around. Get an appointment booked in with an audiologist and get your hearing tested adequately. You deserve to have hearing that works and an audiologist can help you to support your hearing needs.