Hearing loss is a common problem that can develop for a number of reasons. Knowing about the different causes can help you avoid situations that may damage your auditory system, or know whether you should speak with a specialist about certain conditions. Here are some of the most common hearing loss causes:

Aging: Aging is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. As we get older, the sensory hair cells in our inner ear – which are responsible for hearing – will deteriorate and lead to hearing loss. Some age-related hearing loss is considered normal.
Hereditary factors: Hearing loss can be inherited from one or both of your parents. It is important to note that your hearing loss could be caused by genetic traits even if your parents do not suffer from hearing loss themselves.
Loud noises: Prolonged or consistent exposure to loud noises can damage your auditory system. According to the CDC, prolonged exposure to sounds that are over 70 decibels (such as a dishwasher) could lead to hearing loss over time.
Head injury: Trauma to the head or ear could lead to hearing loss, either through neurological or mechanical damage. Neurological damage impacts the way your brain interprets signals from your ear, while mechanical damage impacts your ear itself.
Ear infection: Ear infections can cause temporary or long-term hearing loss. Temporary hearing problems could be caused by fluid or congestion. Meanwhile, long-term issues may be a result of damage to the ear or scar tissue from the healing process.
Certain medications. There are several medications that can trigger hearing loss, and they are known as ototoxic drugs. These drugs include certain antibiotics, certain cancer medications, some NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or aspirin), and more.

Medical Conditions That Can Cause Hearing Loss

Your overall health can impact your auditory system, which is why some medical conditions and illnesses can lead to hearing loss. Here are just a few health conditions that may contribute to hearing loss:

Acoustic Neuroma: A non-cancerous tumor that develops on nerve strands near the inner ear. Pressure from an acoustic neuroma can interfere with hearing and balance.
Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIIED): An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, which may cause short-term hearing loss or long-term damage.
Autoimmune Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ASHL): Fluctuating hearing loss as a result of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, polyarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Meniere’s Disease: Symptoms caused by excessive fluid building up. The pressure from the fluid may press up against the eardrum and interfere with hearing.
Otosclerosis: A disorder, often hereditary, where excessive bone-like tissue forms in the middle ear. The tissue blocks sound waves from properly entering the ear.
Recruitment: Painful sensitivity to sound with very low or very high frequencies.
Tinnitus: Ringing in the ear, which may come and go or remain constant.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Nerve Deafness): Abnormality of the auditory nerve, the inner ear, or a combination of both.

Get Help for Hearing Loss

If you are struggling with hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Evergreen Audiology in Vancouver WA! We understand challenging hearing loss can make daily-to-day activities, and we are committed to helping you find solutions that fit your needs and lifestyle. Don’t let hearing loss manage your life – give us a call today!