Hearing loss affects millions of people all over the world, and the effects can be devastating. Most people think of age-related hearing loss as the primary cause of diminished hearing, but there are other factors that can lead to hearing loss too. In this blog post, we'll be exploring five of the most startling causes of hearing loss that you may not be aware of – and that might even affect you. Keep reading to learn more about the risk factors of hearing loss and how you can protect your hearing.
1) Age
Age is a major factor in hearing loss. Hearing deteriorates naturally as we get older, as the delicate hairs in our ears break down over time. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly one-third of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss. This age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis and it’s caused by a combination of factors, including years of exposure to loud noises and other environmental factors.
The good news is that with regular hearing tests, hearing loss due to age can be detected early, so you can take steps to protect your hearing. You should make sure to see an audiologist for regular hearing checks and wear ear protection when exposed to loud noises, like at concerts or sporting events.
2) Exposure to Loud Noises
One of the biggest causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. The noise levels that can cause hearing loss can range from a vacuum cleaner to a rock concert. Any time you’re exposed to sounds that are louder than 85 decibels, you are at risk of damaging your hearing. Depending on the length and level of exposure, these noises can permanently damage your hearing over time.
It’s important to understand the signs of potential hearing damage caused by loud noises. If you’re having trouble hearing conversations in noisy places or have to turn the volume up higher than usual to hear the TV, you may likely have sustained some hearing damage from exposure to loud noises.
To protect your hearing from noise-induced damage, it’s important to take steps to limit your exposure to loud noises. This can include wearing earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noises, such as when going to concerts or when using certain power tools. Additionally, keep the volume on your devices such as phones and iPods at a lower level. Even when listening through headphones, try to keep the volume below 85 decibels if possible. Taking these steps can help to ensure that your hearing stays healthy and protected.
3) Family History
One of the most common causes of hearing loss is genetic and is passed down from family members. If someone in your family has suffered from hearing loss, you may experience similar issues. Hearing loss can be caused by a combination of genetic factors, meaning that it doesn’t necessarily have to be passed down directly from parent to child. Therefore, if any of your relatives have suffered from hearing loss, it’s important to get regular hearing tests and monitor your hearing health. Your doctor may suggest genetic testing if you have a family history of hearing loss so that you can take steps to protect yourself.
4) Health Conditions
There are a variety of health conditions that can lead to hearing loss. These include diabetes, multiple sclerosis, anemia, and kidney disease. Diabetes can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the ear, which can impair hearing. Multiple sclerosis can cause nerve damage that impacts hearing. Anemia can cause inner ear inflammation or infection that can lead to hearing loss. Kidney disease can cause a buildup of toxins in the body that can lead to hearing loss. It is important to see a doctor if you have any of these health conditions to get proper treatment and reduce your risk of hearing loss.
5) Medications
Believe it or not, some medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect. Ototoxic drugs, in particular, have been linked to hearing damage. These are medications that are toxic to the ear and can affect both the inner ear and the auditory nerve. Common ototoxic drugs include aspirin (in large doses), certain antibiotics, and some cancer treatments. If you are taking any of these medications and experiencing signs of hearing loss, talk to your doctor about potential alternative treatments. Also, be sure to wear protective earplugs if you’re around loud machinery or machinery with a lot of vibration. Even if your medication is not ototoxic, the loud noise could still affect your hearing over time.
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