What are the 7 main causes of hearing loss?
Did you know hearing loss is so common in Australia it affects 1 in 7 people? – and 1 in 3 people over 60?
Here are the 7 main causes of hearing loss:
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It’s in the genes
- Some people inherit hearing loss from their parents. It may result from problems during pregnancy or birth.
- Not hearing from a young age has a real impact on how children learn how to speak.
- People who have hearing loss as babies often need to consider having a cochlear implant – or they may need to wear hearing aids from a young age.
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Hearing loss is a natural part of ageing
- Just like the rest of your body, your hearing can deteriorate over time through ‘wear and tear’.
- The extent of your hearing loss will depend on many things.
- Which brings us to the next major cause of hearing loss.
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Exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss
- Whether that’s listening to favourite music too loud or working on a building site with no protection, your hearing can be damaged if it’s constantly exposed to sound above a certain level – or if you’re exposed to a particularly loud, one-off noise.
- Loud noise can damage the tiny hair and nerve cells in your ear.
- This prevents sound signals being sent to the brain and results in hearing loss.
- Once damaged, these hair and nerve cells can’t be fixed.
- But, hearing aids can still help you use the remaining hearing that you have.
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Illness can also cause hearing loss
- An infection or a damaged ear-drum can affect your hearing temporarily – or for good.
- Abnormal bone growths or tumours will also impact on your hearing if left untreated.
- It’s always best to see your doctor if you’re having issues with your ear.
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Wax build-up is another common cause of hearing loss
- The wax in your ear is there to protect your ears.
- The wax works as a barrier against dust, dirt and other things that might find their way into your ear.
- It also moisturises your ear and keeps it from drying out and getting itchy.
- And it helps shield your ear canal from infection.
- But sometimes too much wax can build-up and block the ear.
- This is usually a temporary issue.
- Once the wax is removed, your hearing is restored.
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Certain medication and chemicals can damage your hearing
- Some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs are known to damage people’s hearing.
- Common drugs such as aspirin can also affect hearing if taken in high doses.
- Often these effects can’t be reversed. It’s always good to speak to your doctor about the side-effects of medication.
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Physical damage can lead to hearing loss
A sudden loud noise, a change in air pressure, or even being overenthusiastic with a cotton bud. (you should avoid this at all costs!). All of these things can rupture the eardrum and affect your hearing.
If you think you have hearing loss, often the first step is to have your hearing tested by a qualified hearing care professional.
Or you can try an online hearing quiz to see if you need to take that next step and get your hearing tested. It will only take you 3 minutes to do. Or download our FREE GUIDE.