Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a medical issue that can range from mild and temporary to severe and permanent. It is estimated that there are approximately 48 million Americans suffering from some level of hearing loss. For those over the age of 65, the problem becomes much more prevalent, with one out of three people affected by hearing loss.
Hearing loss in adults can occur for a variety of reasons. From accidents to long and progressive hearing degeneration, hearing loss can affect virtually anyone in any age group. Because there are different types of hearing loss, each classification has its own unique causes and risk factors of development.
Hearing loss in adults can occur for a variety of reasons. From accidents to long and progressive hearing degeneration, hearing loss can affect virtually anyone in any age group. Because there are different types of hearing loss, each classification has its own unique causes and risk factors of development.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss occurs when one or more parts of the ear have been compromised due to any number of different reasons. Typically, it’s caused by damage, disease, genetics or aging. When our sense of hearing is impacted, it diminishes the ear’s capacity to detect sounds. In certain hearing loss cases, the brain may also be unable to interpret any sounds the ear does detect. This can include the sound of your own speech. Any form of hearing loss can impact your quality of life.
Treatment options are also dependent on the type and cause of hearing loss. With advancements in hearing loss research and technology, treatment options are more widely available today for many adults suffering from hearing impairment of all kinds.
The development of hearing loss can come on suddenly after you’ve been exposed to a loud noise or sustain physical damage to your ear. Conversely, hearing loss can progress slowly over time as a result of aging or a variety of genetic syndromes or diseases.
Hearing loss can be devastating for many people, especially if it comes as an unexpected shock. Your sense of hearing is incredibly important in not only detecting sounds, but also in allowing your brain to predict danger and communicate with others. Hearing loss is also a key element in maintaining your body’s sense of balance and stability.
If you suspect you are experiencing hearing loss, it is important to get checked by a hearing specialist. Your specialist will begin by first classifying the type of hearing loss, followed by identifying the potential causes. Narrowing down the reasons why you are suffering from hearing loss will help set you up for effective and ongoing treatment, so you may restore your quality of life as best as possible.
Treatment options are also dependent on the type and cause of hearing loss. With advancements in hearing loss research and technology, treatment options are more widely available today for many adults suffering from hearing impairment of all kinds.
The development of hearing loss can come on suddenly after you’ve been exposed to a loud noise or sustain physical damage to your ear. Conversely, hearing loss can progress slowly over time as a result of aging or a variety of genetic syndromes or diseases.
Hearing loss can be devastating for many people, especially if it comes as an unexpected shock. Your sense of hearing is incredibly important in not only detecting sounds, but also in allowing your brain to predict danger and communicate with others. Hearing loss is also a key element in maintaining your body’s sense of balance and stability.
If you suspect you are experiencing hearing loss, it is important to get checked by a hearing specialist. Your specialist will begin by first classifying the type of hearing loss, followed by identifying the potential causes. Narrowing down the reasons why you are suffering from hearing loss will help set you up for effective and ongoing treatment, so you may restore your quality of life as best as possible.
What Are the Different Kinds of Hearing Loss?
There are three primary types of hearing loss, each with its own set of specific causes: sensorineural, conductive and mixed. A fourth classification of hearing loss is known as sudden hearing loss, and it is a form of sensorineural hearing loss.
1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
When problems with the inner ear occur, sensorineural hearing loss results. This is also known as nerve-related hearing loss. In this situation, the thousands of nerves in your inner ear have been damaged or are missing altogether.
The function of these nerves is to receive and send sound waves to the brain. When they don’t work properly, then the brain isn’t able to translate it into your sense of hearing. Varying levels of nerve damage can lead to mild or profound hearing loss.
2. Conductive Hearing Loss
Problems with the outer or middle ear may result in conductive hearing loss. The parts of the outer and middle ear include the ear canal, the eardrum, and small bones (known as the malleus, incus and stapes).
When these parts of the ear have problems functioning, they aren’t able to receive sound waves properly. Most commonly this is due to some form of a blockage. Wax may sometimes block the outer ear canal. Often fluid can get trapped in the middle ear from ongoing ear infections. That is why many children and some adults need ear tubes to release the fluid and improve their hearing.
With a blockage, sound is dulled or distant as if the ear were plugged. The blockage may be temporary or permanent depending on the type of blockage and the ongoing damage that may occur. The blockage itself may cause mild to severe hearing loss.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
When both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss occurs, this is known as mixed hearing loss. In this situation, it’s possible that there has been blockage or damage to the outer and/or middle ear as well as the nerves in the inner ear. This form of hearing loss can range from mild and short-term to severe and prolonged.
4. Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurs when an immediate and unexpected loss of hearing happens. Usually, this sudden deafness happens in one ear. It can come on virtually immediately or over the course of a few days. In many cases, sudden deafness can be treated, and hearing can be fully restored. However, there are cases in which sudden hearing loss can lead to permanent deafness. Sudden deafness is a medical emergency and should be addressed as soon as possible with a physician.
1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
When problems with the inner ear occur, sensorineural hearing loss results. This is also known as nerve-related hearing loss. In this situation, the thousands of nerves in your inner ear have been damaged or are missing altogether.
The function of these nerves is to receive and send sound waves to the brain. When they don’t work properly, then the brain isn’t able to translate it into your sense of hearing. Varying levels of nerve damage can lead to mild or profound hearing loss.
2. Conductive Hearing Loss
Problems with the outer or middle ear may result in conductive hearing loss. The parts of the outer and middle ear include the ear canal, the eardrum, and small bones (known as the malleus, incus and stapes).
When these parts of the ear have problems functioning, they aren’t able to receive sound waves properly. Most commonly this is due to some form of a blockage. Wax may sometimes block the outer ear canal. Often fluid can get trapped in the middle ear from ongoing ear infections. That is why many children and some adults need ear tubes to release the fluid and improve their hearing.
With a blockage, sound is dulled or distant as if the ear were plugged. The blockage may be temporary or permanent depending on the type of blockage and the ongoing damage that may occur. The blockage itself may cause mild to severe hearing loss.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
When both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss occurs, this is known as mixed hearing loss. In this situation, it’s possible that there has been blockage or damage to the outer and/or middle ear as well as the nerves in the inner ear. This form of hearing loss can range from mild and short-term to severe and prolonged.
4. Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss occurs when an immediate and unexpected loss of hearing happens. Usually, this sudden deafness happens in one ear. It can come on virtually immediately or over the course of a few days. In many cases, sudden deafness can be treated, and hearing can be fully restored. However, there are cases in which sudden hearing loss can lead to permanent deafness. Sudden deafness is a medical emergency and should be addressed as soon as possible with a physician.
What Causes Different Types of Hearing Loss?
Depending on the type of hearing loss, there could be a variety of different reasons that cause the hearing problems. Each type of hearing loss has its own unique risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss Causes
Conductive hearing loss occurs when the outer or middle ear is damaged or blocked, which prevents sounds waves from traveling. Some of the potential or common causes of conductive hearing loss include:
● Earwax buildup: If earwax becomes too built up, it can actually block the ear canal. This stops sound waves from traveling and creates hearing loss. It can be treated by having a professional remove the earwax buildup. This may occur in one or both ears.
● Ear infection: An ear infection causes inflammation that, if severe enough, may stop sound from traveling through the inner ear. This condition can be short-term, or it can potentially lead to greater damage. Typically, if an ear infection causes hearing loss, it results in a dull or distant and muffled sound in one or both ears.
● Fluid in the middle ear: Colds can cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear that, like infections, cause hearing impairment if severe enough. This is likely a temporary form of hearing loss, and hearing can be restored once the cold has had time to clear away.
● Perforated (ruptured) eardrum: Sometimes a hole can be created in the eardrum from impact, pressure or an infection. This can be caused by exposure to a loud noise, accidentally poking your eardrum with another object or a change in pressure. Infections can also cause the eardrum to rupture.
● Tumors: In rare cases, tumors can form in the middle or outer ear. As they grow, they can eventually damage the ear, resulting in hearing loss.
● Abnormal growths or malformation: Any malformation or growths that obstruct any part of the outer or middle ear or the ear canal can cause hearing loss. A birth defect or a condition known as Otosclerosis can lead to deafness when the small bones in the ear grow abnormally.
● Head trauma: A brain injury, such as a fall or a bang on the head, could potentially damage the small bones in the ear. If the injury is bad enough, it could lead to the inability to conduct sound inside the ear.
● Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause swelling of the middle ear, preventing full drainage of the Eustachian tube. This can lead to increased pressure in the ear, resulting in the feeling of dulled or distant sound.
● Blockage from a foreign object: A foreign object can get lodged in the ear, which is another causation of hearing loss that can be temporary. If it is removed right away, then hearing can typically be restored. However, depending on the damage the object causes, this can lead to more severe hearing loss.
Conductive Hearing Loss Causes
Conductive hearing loss occurs when the outer or middle ear is damaged or blocked, which prevents sounds waves from traveling. Some of the potential or common causes of conductive hearing loss include:
● Earwax buildup: If earwax becomes too built up, it can actually block the ear canal. This stops sound waves from traveling and creates hearing loss. It can be treated by having a professional remove the earwax buildup. This may occur in one or both ears.
● Ear infection: An ear infection causes inflammation that, if severe enough, may stop sound from traveling through the inner ear. This condition can be short-term, or it can potentially lead to greater damage. Typically, if an ear infection causes hearing loss, it results in a dull or distant and muffled sound in one or both ears.
● Fluid in the middle ear: Colds can cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear that, like infections, cause hearing impairment if severe enough. This is likely a temporary form of hearing loss, and hearing can be restored once the cold has had time to clear away.
● Perforated (ruptured) eardrum: Sometimes a hole can be created in the eardrum from impact, pressure or an infection. This can be caused by exposure to a loud noise, accidentally poking your eardrum with another object or a change in pressure. Infections can also cause the eardrum to rupture.
● Tumors: In rare cases, tumors can form in the middle or outer ear. As they grow, they can eventually damage the ear, resulting in hearing loss.
● Abnormal growths or malformation: Any malformation or growths that obstruct any part of the outer or middle ear or the ear canal can cause hearing loss. A birth defect or a condition known as Otosclerosis can lead to deafness when the small bones in the ear grow abnormally.
● Head trauma: A brain injury, such as a fall or a bang on the head, could potentially damage the small bones in the ear. If the injury is bad enough, it could lead to the inability to conduct sound inside the ear.
● Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause swelling of the middle ear, preventing full drainage of the Eustachian tube. This can lead to increased pressure in the ear, resulting in the feeling of dulled or distant sound.
● Blockage from a foreign object: A foreign object can get lodged in the ear, which is another causation of hearing loss that can be temporary. If it is removed right away, then hearing can typically be restored. However, depending on the damage the object causes, this can lead to more severe hearing loss.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Causes
Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage or an underlying condition that impacts the inner ear and the brain’s ability to receive sound. There are many causes of sensorineural hearing loss, including:
●Exposure to loud noises: Whether you’ve been exposed to one loud noise or repeated loud noises, it can lead to and cause hearing loss.
● Head trauma: Severe head trauma or damage to the skull can cause damage to the hearing nerve. The results can range from a nearly complete loss of hearing to a condition called tinnitus, which is a ranging in the ear. This is called post-traumatic hearing loss and can also cause a sense of dizziness and unbalance.
● Viral or bacterial infection: A viral or bacterial infection can cause damage to the inner ear’s nerves due to a potential combination of inflammation and fluid accumulation.
● Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED): AIED is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks cells in the inner ear. The immune system mistakes the ear cells for a virus or infection, resulting in inflammation in the ear that impacts hearing.
● Genetic hearing loss: Hearing loss can potentially occur due to an inherited syndrome or many other genetic causes. Hearing impairment is a condition that can affect babies from birth due to specific genes carried by both parents.
● Aging: Hearing loss due to aging occurs gradually and typically impacts the ability to hear high-pitched sounds in both ears. This is a very common condition affecting those over the age of 65. Hearing aid treatments are available to improve the quality of life for those experience age-related hearing loss. Certain medical conditions associated with aging may also lead to hearing loss in later years.
● A malformation of the inner ear: A malformation of the inner ear potentially caused by a birth defect can lead to hearing impairment.
● Tumors: In rare situations, benign tumors can develop in between the inner ear and the brain, leading to hearing loss. Usually, the tumor in question is what’s called an acoustic neuroma, which grows on the nerves that control balance and hearing. As the tumor continues to grow, it can lead to more severe hearing loss. In many cases, advanced technology today can easily identify and remove these tumors before they cause too much damage.
● Meniere’s disease: Another rare case of hearing loss is when there is an excessive and ongoing amount of fluid buildup in the ear, causing pressure in the inner ear. There are no known causes of Meniere’s disease, but it can potentially lead to hearing loss. It may also cause dizziness and difficulties balancing as well as sensitivity to loud sounds.
●Exposure to loud noises: Whether you’ve been exposed to one loud noise or repeated loud noises, it can lead to and cause hearing loss.
● Head trauma: Severe head trauma or damage to the skull can cause damage to the hearing nerve. The results can range from a nearly complete loss of hearing to a condition called tinnitus, which is a ranging in the ear. This is called post-traumatic hearing loss and can also cause a sense of dizziness and unbalance.
● Viral or bacterial infection: A viral or bacterial infection can cause damage to the inner ear’s nerves due to a potential combination of inflammation and fluid accumulation.
● Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED): AIED is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks cells in the inner ear. The immune system mistakes the ear cells for a virus or infection, resulting in inflammation in the ear that impacts hearing.
● Genetic hearing loss: Hearing loss can potentially occur due to an inherited syndrome or many other genetic causes. Hearing impairment is a condition that can affect babies from birth due to specific genes carried by both parents.
● Aging: Hearing loss due to aging occurs gradually and typically impacts the ability to hear high-pitched sounds in both ears. This is a very common condition affecting those over the age of 65. Hearing aid treatments are available to improve the quality of life for those experience age-related hearing loss. Certain medical conditions associated with aging may also lead to hearing loss in later years.
● A malformation of the inner ear: A malformation of the inner ear potentially caused by a birth defect can lead to hearing impairment.
● Tumors: In rare situations, benign tumors can develop in between the inner ear and the brain, leading to hearing loss. Usually, the tumor in question is what’s called an acoustic neuroma, which grows on the nerves that control balance and hearing. As the tumor continues to grow, it can lead to more severe hearing loss. In many cases, advanced technology today can easily identify and remove these tumors before they cause too much damage.
● Meniere’s disease: Another rare case of hearing loss is when there is an excessive and ongoing amount of fluid buildup in the ear, causing pressure in the inner ear. There are no known causes of Meniere’s disease, but it can potentially lead to hearing loss. It may also cause dizziness and difficulties balancing as well as sensitivity to loud sounds.
Sudden Hearing Loss Causes
Sudden hearing loss can be caused by a variety of reasons, including:
● Infection and disease: A variety of bacterial or viral infections can potentially cause sudden hearing loss. Diseases such as autoimmune inner ear disease, Meniere’s disease and certain neurological diseases can also cause sudden hearing loss.
● Head trauma: A head injury or fractured skull can be severe enough to cause sudden hearing loss.
● Exposure to loud noise: A noise can be so sudden and loud that it can cause immediate hearing impairment.
●Tumor: A tumor growing within the inner ear can impact the hearing nerve and cause sudden deafness.
● Infection and disease: A variety of bacterial or viral infections can potentially cause sudden hearing loss. Diseases such as autoimmune inner ear disease, Meniere’s disease and certain neurological diseases can also cause sudden hearing loss.
● Head trauma: A head injury or fractured skull can be severe enough to cause sudden hearing loss.
● Exposure to loud noise: A noise can be so sudden and loud that it can cause immediate hearing impairment.
●Tumor: A tumor growing within the inner ear can impact the hearing nerve and cause sudden deafness.
Risk Factors of Hearing Loss
While hearing loss has many different causes, there are specific genetic, environmental and health risk factors that make certain people more susceptible to the development of hearing loss. Some of the factors that contribute to an increased risk of hearing impairment include:
● Occupational hazards: Jobs that require the operation of heavy machinery and factory equipment can potentially attribute to hearing loss over time.
● Repeated exposure to loud noises from recreation: Recreational activities that involve exposure to loud sounds such as firearms, motorcycles or other equipment can also increase your risk of developing hearing loss.
● Repeated exposure to loud noises from other sources: Regular use of a loud vacuum cleaner or blender — and even exposure to constant city traffic noise and loud music — can increase the potential for hearing impairment.
● Aging: As we age, our inner ear structures and nerves may begin to deteriorate, leading to hearing impairment.
● Certain medications: Damage to the inner ear can be caused by the consumption of certain chemotherapy drugs or the antibiotic gentamicin. High doses of pain relievers such as aspirin can also potentially cause temporary hearing impairment and obstruction.
● Genetics: Certain genetic predispositions may make you more likely to develop specific types of hearing loss. These can occur at birth or develop later in life.
● Other illnesses: Diseases and infections such as meningitis, chicken pox and diabetes have been known to cause such severe symptoms that hearing loss may occur. Extremely high fevers can also cause temporary hearing loss symptoms.
● Occupational hazards: Jobs that require the operation of heavy machinery and factory equipment can potentially attribute to hearing loss over time.
● Repeated exposure to loud noises from recreation: Recreational activities that involve exposure to loud sounds such as firearms, motorcycles or other equipment can also increase your risk of developing hearing loss.
● Repeated exposure to loud noises from other sources: Regular use of a loud vacuum cleaner or blender — and even exposure to constant city traffic noise and loud music — can increase the potential for hearing impairment.
● Aging: As we age, our inner ear structures and nerves may begin to deteriorate, leading to hearing impairment.
● Certain medications: Damage to the inner ear can be caused by the consumption of certain chemotherapy drugs or the antibiotic gentamicin. High doses of pain relievers such as aspirin can also potentially cause temporary hearing impairment and obstruction.
● Genetics: Certain genetic predispositions may make you more likely to develop specific types of hearing loss. These can occur at birth or develop later in life.
● Other illnesses: Diseases and infections such as meningitis, chicken pox and diabetes have been known to cause such severe symptoms that hearing loss may occur. Extremely high fevers can also cause temporary hearing loss symptoms.
Treating Hearing Loss
Today’s medical technology and assessment options make it easier to identify and treat all kinds of hearing loss. While there are unique circumstances that make it difficult to determine what causes hearing loss in adults, we do know that, for the most part, there are identifiable conditions. These are often based on the specific type of hearing loss and the length of time the problem has been occurring.
The severity of hearing loss and its cause will ultimately determine what treatments are available. Hearing loss may be temporary, or it may be permanent and can depend on many factors.
The most important step to obtaining treatment is to report any form of hearing loss to your physician or a specialist right away. If you or a loved one are suffering from hearing loss of any kind, sign up for an appointment with us.
The severity of hearing loss and its cause will ultimately determine what treatments are available. Hearing loss may be temporary, or it may be permanent and can depend on many factors.
The most important step to obtaining treatment is to report any form of hearing loss to your physician or a specialist right away. If you or a loved one are suffering from hearing loss of any kind, sign up for an appointment with us.