What Are the Common Causes of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss typically affects older adults, but it’s much more common than many realize. In fact, one in three adults over the age of 65 have some form of hearing loss. Understanding the common causes of hearing loss can help prevent it, whether you’re utilizing proper hearing protection or avoiding loud environments. Below, the experts at Estes Audiology have included some information about the types of hearing loss, what causes it, and the importance of addressing it early. Our hearing care professionals are committed to helping patients hear the world around them more clearly. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing evaluation at one of our hearing care centers located throughout Texas and Louisiana.
Your Auditory System
Your auditory system comprises several parts within your inner, middle, and outer ear. When someone has hearing loss, it affects one or more of these four parts of the auditory system:
- Outer Ear – This part is the external portion of your ear on each side of your head (pinna), including your ear canal and eardrum.
- Middle Ear – This part also includes your ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear bones.
- Inner Ear – The inner ear has two main sections: the cochlea (for hearing) and the vestibular system (for balance).
- Auditory Cortex – This is the hearing center of your brain. Your central auditory system has intricate nerve pathways connecting the inner ear to the auditory cortex.
Types of Hearing Loss
It can help to know the three main hearing loss types. Learn more about each type below:
- Conductive Hearing Loss – This type of hearing loss is caused by conditions affecting the outer or middle ear. It’s often treatable and temporary. In some cases, it can be reversed through either surgical or medical intervention. Conductive hearing loss is most common among children who have recurrent ear infections or insert foreign objects into their ear canal.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss – This type is the most common type of hearing loss caused by various disorders of the inner ear or central auditory system. It’s usually not treatable surgically or medically and is, therefore, typically permanent. It can result from aging, disease, injury, exposure to loud noise, certain drugs, or an inherited condition. Many patients with this type of hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids.
- Mixed Hearing Loss – When there is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, it’s called mixed hearing loss. Patients may initially have sensorineural hearing loss and then develop a conductive component.
Causes of Hearing Loss
Most causes of hearing loss are well understood by researchers and audiologists, but they’re still studying all the possible methods for prevention and treatment options. In some cases, no cause for hearing loss can be determined. The most common causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Aging – Age-related hearing loss is the gradual loss of hearing occurring over time. It’s a normal and treatable part of aging. Many people don’t realize it’s happening until their symptoms become severe or noticeable to others around them. This type of hearing loss is permanent, but many people benefit from hearing aids.
- Inherited Hearing Loss – Many genetic and rare syndromes include hearing loss, accounting for many cases among children. Hearing loss that’s hereditary can be sensorineural, conductive, or mixed. The degree of hearing loss varies widely, even among patients with the same condition. For some patients, hearing aids are sufficient. Cochlear implants or learning American Sign Language are recommended for others. While many cases of hereditary hearing loss are congenital, some conditions develop slowly.
- Noise Exposure – Long-term exposure to loud noise can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Over time, everyday sounds like construction work, live music shows, traffic, and noisy work environments can negatively impact hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss can be permanent or temporary, depending on how damaged the nerve cells of the inner ear are.
- Illness-Related Hearing Loss – Numerous medical conditions, illnesses, and autoimmune diseases can contribute to a person’s hearing loss. In addition, viral and bacterial infections, otosclerosis, head trauma, common hearing loss injuries, and other issues can cause hearing loss.
What Is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
This type of hearing loss either occurs suddenly or over several days. If you experience sudden hearing loss, it’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately. Any delay in treating this condition decreases the chance of medically improving your hearing.
Common Signs of Hearing Loss
It’s not always easy to tell when you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss and whether they should seek treatment. Some signs to look out for include the following:
- People sound like they’re mumbling or talking too quietly.
- You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
- You notice people stand directly in front of you or speak more loudly during a conversation.
- You can hear people but can’t understand what they’re saying.
- You keep the volume on your television, phone, or radio higher than others.
- You struggle to follow conversations in social settings or public gatherings.
The Importance of Addressing Hearing Loss
Hearing loss that’s left untreated is not only frustrating but can worsen over time and have adverse effects on several aspects of a person’s life. If you have signs of hearing loss, the hearing care professionals at Estes Audiology encourage you to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test. We can determine the type and degree of your hearing loss and whether hearing aids are the right fit. You should contact your primary healthcare provider immediately if you’re experiencing pain in one or both of your ears, discharge, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or balance problems.
Contact Estes Audiology Today to Learn More
Many things can cause hearing loss, from illness and loud noises to genetics and the natural aging process. The hearing care professionals at Estes Audiology are trained to accurately diagnose your type and degree of hearing loss. Once we determine the cause, we’ll discuss your options for treatment. When it comes to your hearing health, you should only settle for the highest quality care. Our team has years of experience providing comprehensive audiology services at our hearing care centers located throughout Texas and Louisiana. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
