Causes of Hearing Loss

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

As we grow older, the delicate hair cells in the inner ear gradually wear down. These cells do not regenerate, which is why age-related hearing loss is permanent. It often begins with difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds, like children’s voices or birds chirping, and slowly progresses to affect speech clarity.

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Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Prolonged exposure to loud sounds—whether from music, machinery, power tools, firearms, or even repeated use of headphones at high volumes—can damage the inner ear. This type of loss may affect people of any age, and while it can happen suddenly after extreme noise exposure, it often builds up slowly over time.

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Blockages and Ear Canal Issues

Sometimes hearing difficulties are caused by something simple, like earwax buildup. In other cases, fluid from an ear infection or a growth in the ear canal can block sound from reaching the eardrum. These types of problems are often treatable with medical care, which is why professional evaluation is important.

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Middle Ear Problems

The middle ear contains three tiny bones that carry sound vibrations to the inner ear. Damage or stiffness in these bones (a condition called otosclerosis), recurring infections, or fluid buildup can interfere with sound transmission and result in hearing loss.

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Inner Ear and Nerve Disorders

Beyond the eardrum and middle ear lies the cochlea and auditory nerve. Damage to these structures, whether from aging, genetics, or certain medical conditions, can cause what’s known as sensorineural hearing loss, the most common and permanent type. In these cases, hearing aids are usually the best solution.

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Medications and Ototoxicity

Some prescription medications, particularly certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or high doses of aspirin, can be toxic to the inner ear (a condition called ototoxicity). This can lead to temporary or permanent hearing changes. Always discuss any hearing-related side effects with your healthcare provider.

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Illnesses and Medical Conditions

Hearing can also be affected by:

Viral infections such as measles, mumps, or meningitis

Circulatory issues that reduce blood flow to the inner ear

Autoimmune disorders that attack the ear’s structures

Diabetes and high blood pressure, which are linked to higher risks of hearing loss

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Genetic Factors

Some people are born with hearing loss or inherit conditions that make them more prone to developing it later in life. Genetic factors can influence how resilient the ear structures are to aging, noise, or illness.

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Sudden Hearing Loss

In rare cases, hearing loss can occur very quickly, sometimes overnight. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, as early treatment can make a difference in recovery.

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Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Blockages and Ear Canal Issues

Middle Ear Problems

Inner Ear and Nerve Disorders

Medications and Ototoxicity

Illnesses and Medical Conditions

Genetic Factors

Sudden Hearing Loss

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