By Becca Rancourt, Au.D. CCC-A
What causes hearing loss? This a common question. Many people believe hearing loss happens as you get older, which can be true. However, there are also many other reasons hearing loss occurs. As the third most common physical condition after arthritis and heart disease, hearing loss can happen to anyone at any age, and for a number of reasons. Below are some examples of some of the many causes of hearing loss.
* One reason hearing loss can occur is noise. Injury to the hair cells located in your inner ear can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur from a single loud noise such as a gunshot, or it can result from prolonged exposure to loud noise over time. * Another reason is from trauma. Examples can include objects being inserted into the ear, a viral infection, explosion or pressure differences such as traveling on an airplane or scuba diving.
* Age-related hearing loss is also referred to as “presbycusis,” affecting one out of every three people over the age of 60 and in two thirds of people over the age of 70.
* Hearing loss can result from the use of certain medications or drugs. This is referred to as “ototoxicity.” A prime example of ototoxicity is chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy’s benefits outweigh the risk, individuals who start chemotherapy treatments should have their hearing monitored as it can also cause permanent damage to the inner ear.
* Wax can cause temporary hearing loss. Earwax is a natural part of our body; however, if there is too much wax built up it can act as an earplug making it difficult to hear.
* Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of hearing loss due to the circulatory issues from glucose overload.
* Genetic disorders, such as otosclerosis, can cause hearing loss. Otosclerosis is a hereditary disorder that causes progressive hearing loss due to the overgrowth of bone in the inner ear.
With so many causes of hearing loss., if you are questioning whether or not you are experiencinghearing loss, contact Waterville Audiology to schedule a hearing exam at 207-872-0320.
