What causes hearing loss?

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Hearing loss is probably something you haven’t thought about until it happens to you, or someone you know.

But understanding the causes of hearing loss, and the different types, can help you keep your hearing in good shape.

Causes of hearing loss

Hearing loss can happen when any part of the ear or auditory system is not working in the usual way. The causes of hearing loss include genetic, lifestyle and health factors:

Getting older – this is the most common cause
Medical conditions – including diseases such as meningitis, and certain hereditary or genetic disorders
Exposure to loud noise – especially if it’s prolonged, such as working at live music venues or construction sites without hearing protection which meets Australian standards
Some medications – including those used in the treatment of neonatal infections and some types of cancer
Ear infections
A build-up of ear wax
Head injuries and perforated ear drums
Lifestyle factors – smoking, alcohol and obesity can all impact your hearing health

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Types of hearing loss

Hearing loss can range from mild to profound, and temporary to permanent. Here are the main types:

Sensorineural hearing loss – usually permanent, this happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the nerve connecting the ear to the brain
Conductive hearing loss – this, on the other hand, can frequently be treated. It happens when the outer or middle ear blocks sounds from entering the inner ear (usually due to infection, trauma or tumour)
Mixed hearing loss – a combination of sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss, due to conditions affecting the outer, middle and inner ear
Noise-induced hearing loss – as the name suggests, this is where exposure to unsafe noise levels damages the structures of the inner ear. It can happen after a one-off incident or prolonged exposure
High-frequency hearing loss – where people have trouble hearing sounds between 2000 and 8000 Hertz which is commonly associated with aging and noise exposure
Unilateral hearing loss – this is hearing loss in only one ear. It could be congenital (meaning present from birth) or acquired
Hearing loss after ear infection – recurring ear infections can impact the movement of the eardrum and overall hearing, causing either temporary or permanent hearing loss.

Changes in your hearing can be a gradual process or you may experience a sudden change in your hearing health. Identifying hearing loss isn’t always that easy and other people may notice changes before you do.

If you’re concerned about your hearing, or the hearing of someone you love make an appointment to see one of our audiologists. It’s important to always investigate any sudden change in your hearing as well as ear pain or dizziness.