Hearing loss can occur at any age. Although advancing age or noise exposure are the most common causes of hearing loss, an infection, head/neck injury, or genetic issue can also be among the cause of hearing loss.
Understanding the source of your issues gives our professionals insight into your needs, so we can advise you of the best options for your specific treatment. That is why we encourage you to speak with our professionals as soon as you notice troubles with your hearing.
As our age increases, our ear organs can develop changes in the inner ear over time. The daily wear and tear on our hearing system gradually reduces their effectiveness. When your hearing starts to weaken, it becomes more difficult to hear soft voices and high-frequency sounds, such as the voices of women and children. Age-related hearing loss can also make it extremely difficult to follow and understand conversations in the presence of background noise, even if parts of the conversation can be heard.
It is not surprise that repeated exposure to high levels of noise can cause hearing loss. Whether it is repeated contact with high volume over time or short-term incidents with extreme levels of sound, both harm the sensitive hair cells on the ear organ, which become damaged and die. As the hair cells become damage, you lose the ability to hear.
FACT: 90% of hearing loss occurs when either these hair cells or the auditory nerve cells are destroyed, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Did you know that certain serious illnesses can lead to hearing loss? Below is a list of diseases and other medical conditions that can cause hearing loss:
Ototoxicity is when medications are poisoning the ear (oto = ear, toxicity = poisoning), specifically the cochlea or auditory nerve and sometimes the vestibular system. This will be listed as a side effect of the drug. The effects can be reversable and temporary, or irreversible and permanent.
The most common ototoxic medications are listed below:
Because age-related hearing loss is gradual, you may not notice it by yourself. Most often, family members, friends or co-workers will notice the issue before an individual recognizes any deficit. Age-related hearing loss does not just impact the person who is struggling to hear, it also impacts friends, family and even colleagues. Relationships can become strained as others are frustrated with someone can’t hear well.
Fortunately, we can help. We can educate you about your specific condition and offer suggestions to help ease communication by making simple changes.
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