What Causes Hearing Loss?

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Over 10% of the world’s population is deaf to some degree. That works out to 700 million people who experience hearing loss. This ranges from mild hearing loss to those who are part of the Deaf culture.

Depending on the severity of their hearing loss, some people might not need to rely on hearing aids or lip reading to get by, but once the hearing loss progresses too far, changes need to be made.

Keep reading to find out more about what causes hearing loss and how you can delay the loss of hearing.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

There are only four clinically labeled degrees of hearing loss:

• mild
• moderate
• severe
• profound

People who have mild hearing loss can hear most speech sounds but can struggle with softer sounds. With moderate hearing loss, it is difficult to hear and understand people talking at a normal level.

If the hearing loss is severe, then you will hear little-to-no sound when people speak at normal levels, and you’ll only hear loud sounds. Profound hearing loss means you’ll potentially only hear very loud sounds and no speech at all.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are three types of hearing loss:

• sensorineural hearing loss
• conductive hearing loss
• mixed hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss out of these three types. The hearing loss happens when the nerves in the inner ear and hair cells are damaged. Sensorineural hearing loss can only be alleviated by using hearing aids; it cannot be fixed completely.

Conductive hearing loss is usually the result of obstructions in the outer or middle ear, such as fluid, earwax, tumors, or ear formations. The obstruction is what causes the hearing loss as it prevents sound from reaching the inner ear. This form of hearing loss can usually be treated surgically or using ear care medicine.

Mixed hearing loss is simply a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. 

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

While there aren’t any rules when it comes to hearing loss causes, there are some common ones that you can keep a lookout for.

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Loud noises such as lawnmowers, construction, or even music can damage your inner ear, which can result in permanent hearing loss. Loud noises can also contribute to tinnitus which affects about 15% to 20% of people and is very common in older adults.

Noise-induces hearing loss can be prevented if you take the right precautions. By simply moving away from loud sounds, using earplugs, and turning the music down, you’ll lower the risk of developing noise-related hearing loss.

A buildup of earwax or fluids is also a common hearing loss cause. If an obstruction in your ear is the reason for your hearing loss, then your doctor will be able to suggest ear care treatments to soften the obstruction. If the medication doesn’t work, then your ear may need to be flushed by a doctor.

A punctured eardrum can also lead to hearing loss. Your eardrum can be damaged by pressure, infections, or even putting objects like cotton swabs in your ear. If you’re experiencing ear pain or fluid draining from your ear, then you need to go see a doctor.

Less Common Causes of Hearing Loss

There are also some health conditions that can contribute to hearing loss. While this isn’t an extensive list, some common health conditions that can lead to hearing loss include:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart conditions
• stroke
• brain injury
• tumor
• viruses and bacteria

Hearing loss can also be hereditary. While not all forms of inherited hearing loss form at birth, it is more likely to be apparent at that time. There are also forms of hearing loss, such as otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease that prevents structures within the ear from working properly.

Hearing loss can also be caused by some medications. There are medications that can cause damage to the inner ear which can be permanent. This is why it is crucial to make sure you’re aware of any possible side effects of your medication and to immediately contact your doctor if you’re having problems.

Signs of Hearing Loss to Look Out For

You might be experiencing hearing loss without even realizing it. Some common signs to look out for include:

• finding it hard to follow a conversation with more than two people
• trouble hearing when talking over a telephone
• regularly asking people to repeat themselves
• needing to turn up the TV volume constantly
• struggling to hear if there is background noise
• thinking that everyone is mumbling
• struggling to understand children

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it might be time to go see a doctor. Catching hearing loss early will help you find a way to adapt as quickly as possible.

Understanding What Causes Hearing Loss

Understanding what causes hearing loss is the first step in making sure your hearing stays in a good condition for as long as possible. If you know what to look out for and what to avoid, you’ll be able to prolong your hearing health. 

If you think you might be experiencing hearing loss, you can schedule an online consultation with one of Kiwi Drug’s doctors today. Our licensed online doctors will review your medical history, answer any questions you have, and make any appropriate suggestions for medications or treatments you might need.