Overview of Hearing Loss Causes

Hearing loss, a partial or total inability to hear, can result from a variety of sources that can be grouped essentially into two categories: conductive and sensorineural causes. Understanding these can help in early detection, leading to better management of the condition.

Conductive Hearing Loss Causes

This type of hearing loss occurs when sounds are unable to pass from the outer ear to the eardrum and the small bones of the middle ear. Common causes include:

• Ear infections (otitis media) – fluid buildup can block sound transmission.
• Earwax impaction – excessive buildup of wax can obstruct the ear canal.
• Otosclerosis – abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear interfering with sound movement.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss Causes

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type and occurs due to damage to the auditory nerve or the inner ear. Possible causes include:

• Age-related wear and tear on the ears, known as presbycusis.
• Exposure to loud noise leading to damage of the hair cells in the cochlea.
• Certain medications known as ototoxic medications can cause irreversible damage.

I got hearing loss, and believe me, it’s not fun. For me, it started with always asking people to repeat themselves. Then I realized that it was due to all those rock concerts I used to go to without any ear protection. So, loud noise can really mess you up! Plus, my granddad had it too, so it might be something to do with age as well.

From what I’ve read, hearing loss happens for many reasons. Two big reasons are getting older, like how our skin ages, our ear parts wear down too. Then there’s noise. Places with constant loud noise can hurt the inner part of your ears. I also remember reading that if you have repeated ear infections or if you use some strong meds, those can harm your hearing over time too.