What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss is a reduction in your ability to hear, so you cannot hear as well as you once could. There are many different types of hearing loss, and it can be caused by many different factors.
Facts About Hearing Loss
- Hearing loss can affect people of all ages, from newborn babies to older adults.
- People can have hearing loss in one ear or both ears.
- Hearing loss can be permanent or temporary and can occur suddenly or gradually.
- Hearing loss is different from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, although people often experience both.
What Are the Causes of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss has many possible causes. Some of the most common causes are explained below.
Age-related hearing loss
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, occurs gradually as we get older. It often results from damage to the tiny hair cells inside the cochlea, which is part of the inner ear. Because the change happens gradually, it can take a long time for the person and those close to them to recognize the hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss
Noise can cause serious damage to the ears. Depending on how loud the sound is and how long a person is exposed to it, noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Possible causes of noise-induced hearing loss include live concerts, listening to music at high volume through headphones, shooting, power tools, loud machinery, motorcycling, snowmobiling, and working in noisy environments such as construction sites and cafes.
Trauma
Head trauma or acoustic trauma can cause permanent hearing loss.
Head trauma may result from any accident involving a blow to the head, including a car accident, bicycle accident, or fall. Acoustic trauma results from an excessively loud sound, such as an explosion. It can cause structural damage to the ear as well as noise-induced hearing loss.
Sudden hearing loss
Sudden hearing loss occurs from one moment to the next. In some cases, people wake up and notice that their hearing has changed.
Known causes may include viral infections, trauma, and certain diseases. However, sometimes no clear reason can be found.
If you experience sudden hearing loss, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Other Causes and Risk Factors
Health factors
Several health factors can increase the likelihood of developing hearing loss. These include diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure. Infections, diseases, and physical blockages can also cause hearing loss, which may sometimes be temporary.
Genetic disorders
Hearing loss can be associated with genetic disorders such as Waardenburg syndrome and Usher syndrome.
Hereditary reasons
Hearing loss can be hereditary. If you have a family history of hearing loss, it is a good idea to have your hearing checked regularly.
Congenital disorders
Congenital hearing loss is hearing loss that is present at birth. Babies may be born with genetic hearing loss. Other hereditary or medical causes can include malformations of the ear.
Is Hearing Loss a Disability?
Hearing loss can be challenging and may interfere with many areas of everyday life. If it is left untreated, it can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Hearing loss has been shown to affect people socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
Because hearing loss makes communication more difficult, some people begin to withdraw from social situations. This can contribute to social isolation and may be associated with wider health effects, including cognitive decline.
Whether hearing loss is considered a disability often depends on its severity and its effect on the person's daily life. For many people, hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids and other forms of hearing care.
What Causes Hearing Loss in One Ear?
Any of the causes described above can affect only one ear. Hearing loss may occur in one ear when that ear has been exposed more directly to noise or trauma. Shooting is one possible example.
Differences between the hearing in each ear may be described using terms such as unilateral, bilateral, symmetrical, and asymmetrical hearing loss.
During a comprehensive hearing test, the left and right ears are tested separately. If the hearing loss is similar on both sides, it is considered symmetrical. If the degree or pattern of hearing loss differs between the ears, it is considered asymmetrical.
A person can also experience sudden hearing loss in one ear. This may follow a loud noise event, although there is not always an obvious cause.
- Unilateral
- Hearing loss affecting one ear.
- Bilateral
- Hearing loss affecting both ears.
- Symmetrical
- A similar level or pattern of hearing loss in both ears.
- Asymmetrical
- Different levels or patterns of hearing loss between the ears.
What Causes Sudden Hearing Loss?
Sudden hearing loss may be caused by loud sounds, noise exposure, trauma, infections, disease, or a blockage that prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear. In some cases, there may be no obvious reason for the sudden change.
Sudden hearing loss should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.
How to Help Prevent Hearing Loss
There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of hearing loss and help prevent further damage to your hearing.
Protect your hearing
Loud sounds can cause hearing loss. Wear appropriate hearing protection during noisy activities such as concerts, shooting, motorcycling, car racing, construction work, or when using loud machinery. Common types of hearing protection include earplugs and earmuffs.
Turn the volume down
Keep music, radio, television, and other audio at safe volume levels. Some devices allow you to set a maximum volume limit. If you regularly increase the volume to overcome background noise, consider using noise-cancelling headphones instead.
Have your hearing tested regularly
Regular hearing tests can help monitor changes in your hearing. An online hearing test may provide an initial indication, but it does not replace a comprehensive hearing assessment performed by a qualified hearing care professional.
Avoid inserting objects into your ears
Do not insert cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal. Doing so may damage the ear canal or eardrum and may push earwax deeper into the ear.
Monitor your medication
Some medicines can potentially affect hearing and are known as ototoxic medications. If you take medication that may affect your hearing, discuss suitable monitoring and possible alternatives with your physician. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without medical advice.
This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare or hearing care professional if you are concerned about your hearing.
