Most people will experience hearing loss at some point in their lives. It can substantially influence someone’s life and range from minor hearing loss to total deafness. To stop hearing loss or lessen its effects, it is crucial to understand its causes. Knowing the typical reasons and preventative measures can help people safeguard their hearing. The causes of hearing loss can range from aging to specific illnesses. So, let’s examine some of the most common causes of hearing loss and how to prevent them.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. As you age, it eventually affects both ears and is typically irreversible. This is because the microscopic hair cells in the cochlea that transform sound waves into nerve impulses in the cochlea break down as you age and can no longer send information to the brain.
Visiting an audiologist for a checkup is crucial if you start experiencing hearing loss in your older years. Although there is no treatment for this kind of hearing loss, an audiologist can give you hearing devices that can help restore some of your hearing.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
One of the most avoidable types of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss. Both your job and recreational activities may be associated with it, which often impacts both ears. For example, it’s possible to be exposed to potentially harmful noise levels when listening to loud music, using heavy equipment or even attending events. Even if the loud sounds only last a short while, they can harm your hearing permanently. When exposed to harsh sounds and situations, wear ear protection like earplugs or noise-canceling headphones at all times to avoid developing this sort of hearing loss.
Infection and Disease
Diseases and infections both raise the chance of hearing loss. Some diseases, including mumps, meningitis and chickenpox, can bring on hearing loss. Additionally, various medical problems like diabetes, hypertension and even bacterial or viral ear infections can result in hearing loss. Heart disease, a brain injury or a tumor are among additional medical issues that might cause hearing loss. If you have any of these health issues, you should speak with an audiologist right away so they can assess you and help you to manage your hearing loss using hearing aids and other preventative measures.
Hereditary Hearing Loss
Age, environment and illness are not the only risk factors for hearing loss. It may also be genetically passed down through your family tree. A genetic mutation is frequently the source of hereditary hearing loss, which can appear at any age but is most frequently diagnosed in infants. Therefore, irrespective of your age, getting checked for hearing loss is imperative if it runs in your family. By receiving an early diagnosis, hearing loss can be treated and possibly prevented if caught early enough.
With modern medicine having advanced significantly, audiologists can now provide you with treatments that can reduce hearing loss if caught in time. So, if you are aware of any hearing loss conditions in your family, contact an audiologist and get tested sooner rather than later.
Head Trauma
Hearing loss can result after head trauma, such as that caused by a vehicle accident, a slip and fall or other head traumas. Hearing loss can occur as a result of damage to the inner ear’s bones brought on by head trauma. Head trauma may also lead to a ruptured eardrum or disrupt the brain region linked to hearing. If you have experienced a head injury, you must get medical attention right away because it may result in irreversible hearing loss.
An audiologist may be able to lessen or remedy any hearing loss consequences brought on by head trauma with the right solutions and care.
Medications
Some medications can cause hearing loss as a side-effect, such as certain antibiotics and cancer treatments. This is known as ototoxic hearing loss, which occurs when the drugs damage the inner ear. These medicines can result in hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or balance disorders. More than 200 ototoxic medications are currently being given to patients worldwide, including over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Before taking any kind of medicine, it’s important to always discuss the potential side effects with your medical practitioner. And if you notice any changes in your hearing after taking the medication, contact your medical practitioner or audiologist for immediate assistance.
Hearing loss can be caused by various factors, from genetics to environmental noise. And even though there are many causes of hearing loss, it is possible to mitigate the risk and prevent hearing loss in some cases. Taking precautions and being vigilant of your hearing health are essential. So, if you’re concerned about your hearing health and want to learn more about preventing unfortunate changes in your hearing, get in touch with The Hearing Center at York ENT at (717) 850-9269. You won’t regret it!
