Common Causes Of Hearing Loss And How To Prevent Them

According to a recent report from the World Health Organization, one in 10 people will experience disabling hearing loss at some stage of their lives. Regardless of the severity of hearing loss, it can impact your life in various ways – meaning that it’s crucial you make an effort to protect your hearing as much as possible. One way you can achieve this goal is by being aware of the common causes or triggers of hearing loss, which may include: 

• Exposure to loud noises
• The aging process
• Earwax buildup 
• Genetic disorders

Exposure to loud noises

Exposure to loud noises can cause hearing damage in a variety of ways. For example, prolonged exposure to noises, such as working in a noisy environment every day for years on end, can cause significant damage to your hearing over time. This is because this form of noise exposure can overwork hair cells in the ear, which can cause these cells to die.

Sudden exposure to loud noises, such as loud music at a concert, can also cause significant damage to your hearing. For example, it could cause your eardrum to rupture or lead to tinnitus. 

You can prevent this form of hearing loss by wearing ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-reducing headphones, when in noisy environments and reducing the amount of time you spend in these places. If you must be in a noisy environment for work, ensure your boss provides the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) – this is an occupational safety standard that they must comply with. 

Age

Age is another common trigger for hearing loss. In fact, a third of adults over the age of 65 deal with some degree of hearing loss. While you cannot prevent aging – the sooner you start taking care of your hearing, the better, as this reduces the chances of you sustaining irreversible damage.

Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can work to better protect your hearing, in addition to reducing exposure to loud noises. For example, you should ensure that you get your hearing tested at least once a year – or more often if you have noticed any changes. 

Some studies have also shown that following a healthy lifestyle, consisting of exercise and healthy eating can also reduce the chances of you dealing with age-related hearing loss. This is because it means you are healthier as a whole, and consequently, less likely to deal with conditions which are closely associated with hearing loss, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Earwax Build-Up

Earwax is produced to protect your ears from bacteria and germs, which means it plays a key role in your hearing health by preventing infection. However, if too much earwax is produced, it can cause blockages in your inner ear that impact your hearing. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. 

If you are dealing with this form of hearing loss, try to avoid home remedies such as using cotton buds to remove the wax. This is because they may actually cause more harm than good, as you may push the wax deeper into your ears. Instead, a hearing instrument specialist will be able to suggest some solutions to you. For example, they may give you ear drops that soften and break down the ear wax, or offer earwax removal services.

Hearing Loss and Genetics

Hearing loss can be caused by genetics, as certain genes inherited from parents can lead to abnormalities in the development of the inner ear or the function of the auditory nerve. This form of hearing loss can be present at birth or develop later in life. Additionally, there are numerous genetic syndromes, such as Waardenburg syndrome and Usher syndrome, that are associated with hearing loss. It should be noted that not all hearing loss is of genetic origin, and it is recommended that those experiencing hearing difficulties seek proper diagnosis from a hearing instrument specialist.

Address Your Hearing Loss Concerns

At the Hearing Center of Columbia, we have years of experience supporting those who are dealing with hearing loss throughout Columbia and the surrounding areas so that they can continue to live their life to the full and without interruptions. If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, we have a wealth of testing, diagnosis and treatment services available to fit your unique needs!

If you’d like to find out more, please reach out to a member of our team today! You can give us a call at (931) 548-1166.