Generally speaking, Hearing loss is when a person cannot hear sounds as well as someone with normal hearing. It can affect anyone from children or adults. History and research has proven that some people are born with hearing problems, while others lose their hearing later in life.
Therefore, as an individual understanding the causes of hearing loss can help us prevent it or get early treatment. You can reach us to us at
Deway and Speech Hearcare Services today. Book an appointment with us and have a personalized section with a Speech and Language Therapist whether online or on-site.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what hearing loss is, its types, and the common causes in both children and adults.
What Is Hearing Loss?
Simply put, Hearing loss means that your ears are not working as they should. It can happen in one ear or both ears at the same time.
Types of Hearing Loss
1. Conductive Hearing Loss
This types of hearing loss occurs when sound cannot pass through the outer or middle ear. It may be caused by earwax, fluid, or something blocking the ear.
2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This is exactly when there is damage to the inner ear or the hearing nerve. It is usually permanent in nature.
3. Mixed Hearing Loss
This is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Most time, the nature of hearing loss can also be temporary or permanent. Some people may lose hearing for a short time and recover, while others may never get their hearing back.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Children
1. Genetic Factors
Some children are born with hearing loss because it runs in their family. This is called genetic or inherited hearing loss.
It can happen with or without other health problems.
2. Birth Complications
Some babies have problems during or shortly after birth that affect their hearing. These include:
- Being born too early (premature)
- Low birth weight
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Lack of oxygen during delivery
3. Infections
Apart from others causes mentioned above. There are certain infections before or after birth can cause hearing loss in children. Namely:
- Rubella (German measles)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Measles
- Meningitis (infection in the brain and spine)
- Repeated ear infections (like otitis media)
4. Loud Noises
Children who are around loud noises or play with noisy toys can hurt their ears. For instances, using headphones at a high volume can also damage hearing.
5. Medications
Some drugs given to children, especially during serious illness, can harm their ears. These are called ototoxic drugs.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Adults
As previously established, hearing loss affects both children and adults. Some of the noticeable causes of hearing loss in adults are listed and explained as follows:
1. Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)
As people get older, their hearing may slowly become weaker. This is a natural part of aging and often begins after age 60.
2. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Adults who work in noisy places (like factories, construction, or music events) or listen to loud music over time can lose their hearing. Sudden loud sounds like gunshots or explosions can also cause damage.
3. Ear Infections and Diseases
Some conditions that can lead to hearing loss in adults include:
- Chronic ear infections
- Meniere’s disease (causes dizziness and hearing loss)
- Tumors like acoustic neuroma (non-cancerous growth on the hearing nerve)
4. Injuries
Head or ear injuries from accidents or falls can cause hearing loss.
5. Ototoxic Medications
Some strong medicines, like those used in cancer treatment or certain antibiotics, can damage hearing. Doctors usually give these with care.
6. Health Problems
Some diseases are likely possible to lead to hearing loss in adult Disease like diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke.
When to See a Doctor
It’s important to notice the signs of hearing loss early. Some signs include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves often
- Not responding when called
- Turning up the volume too high
- Trouble hearing in noisy places
Doctors use hearing tests like audiometry or tympanometry to check how well your ears are working. An ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor or audiologist can help. You can reach us to us at Deway and Speech Hearcare Services today. Book an appointment with us and have a personalized section with a Speech and Language Therapist whether online or on-site.
How to Prevent and Manage Hearing Loss
Prevention is said to be better that cure. Some simple ways to protect your hearing incude:
- Avoid loud sounds or wear earplugs in noisy places
- Keep volume low on music and devices
- Treat ear infections quickly
- Avoid sticking objects in your ears
- Go for regular hearing checks, especially if hearing gets worse
- Use hearing aids or cochlear implants if needed and recommended by a doctor
Conclusion
Hearing loss can happen to anyone—young or old. While some causes are natural or unavoidable, many can be prevented with care. By knowing the common causes and watching out for early signs, we can protect our hearing and get help when needed.
The Deway Speech and Hearcare Services enjoin you to tke care of your ears, they help you connect with the world around you.