Many conditions can result in hearing loss, but some are more common than others.
Hearing loss is perhaps more common in Americans than one might realize. It is not just more probable among older adults either; young adults also have a higher risk of developing hearing loss than ever before. It can be difficult to detect hearing loss, but without treatment and prevention, a significant part of our health will decline. Below are some of the most common causes of hearing loss in adults to understand.
Aging
Aging is traditionally the most common reason for hearing loss. Over time, sensorineural hearing loss can occur, in which the ear’s inner mechanisms wear out over time. Early detection and treatment is key to keeping any damage to the ear or the brain from progressing.
Noise Exposure
Noise exposure is one of the most common causes of hearing loss in younger adults. Listening to overly-loud music through earbuds can damage the inner ear over time, and exposure to harmful sound levels, like at concerts, can also damage significantly. Adults who work in loud environments like orchestras or construction sites also may suffer hearing loss. One should not be shy to use appropriate hearing protection.
Ototoxic Drugs
Some medications can also result in impaired hearing. Among these drugs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and some anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, and neurologic drugs. These medications could have been a necessary part of treatment of one’s medical condition. Even so, hearing aids today can help to bring back what was lost without sacrificing style.
Illness
You may also have difficulty hearing if you have suffered from a past illness. Meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, mumps, cytomegalovirus, and even the flu can result in mild hearing loss. Other related diseases include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Many rare diseases and syndromes are also linked with possible hearing loss.
Head Injury
Anyone who has received a serious head injury playing sports or in an accident could possibly have damaged hearing as well. A head injury, such as a concussion or any other traumatic brain injury, could have damaged the auditory pathway between the brain and the ear.
Genetics
Hearing problems can also run in the family. If a baby is born with hearing loss, it is possibly due to genetics, or because of a circumstantial cause like maternal illness. No matter how old or how young the patient is, however, Clarity Audiology has an answer for you.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.