There are many causes of Hearing Loss. Aging is the most common cause of Hearing Loss. Age related Hearing Loss is unavoidable. The aged mostly suffer from Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Unless the Hearing loss is sudden it is very hard to realise. Awareness of Hearing Loss, the causes and symptoms will help us to identify early and seek medical help.
What are the most common causes of Hearing Loss?
As per the statistics available, 33% of the people above the age of 60 have some level of Hearing loss. The chances increase to 50% above the age of 74 years.
Can Noise Pollution cause Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss due to noise is the second largest cause after old age. The ever increasing traffic noise is a major cause of hearing loss. It’s a matter of great concern that 20% of the people between the age group of 20 to 44 years have developed a Hearing loss. Listening to loud music through earphones is very common among the youth.
People working in factories without using Ear protection Devices also develop Hearing Loss.
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Can Medicines cause Hearing Loss?
Some medicines damage the tender hair cells in the Cochlea. The cochlea is a delicate part in the inner Ear. It converts sound signals into electrical signals. The Auditory nerves carry the electrical signals to the brain. These medicines are called Ototoxic drugs.
Avoid Self-medication, always take medication as per your Doctor’s prescription.
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Can an Injury to the Head cause Hearing Loss?
It is unfortunate if one meets with an accident. If the physical hit or blow is close to the ear and the damage is specifically to the part or nerve responsible for hearing. The hit can cause Hearing Loss.
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Can Illness cause Hearing Loss?
Hearing Loss due to illness is mostly among the new-born children. High fever due to meningitis or mumps can damage the delicate hair cell of the Cochlea.
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Can Ear Infection cause Hearing Loss?
In case of ear infection, there is a swelling in the ear canal. The swelling closes the ear canal and reduces the sound waves reaching the eardrum. Infection also causes a collection of fluid in the ear, causing hearing loss.
This type of loss is known as a Conductive Hearing Loss. In majority of the cases, conductive hearing loss is temporary and can be treated.
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Can Earwax cause Hearing Loss?
Earwax is also a very common cause of Hearing Loss. Hearing Loss due to earwax is temporary. Visit your ENT doctor or an Audiologist. A proper check through the Otoscope will confirm if the Hearing loss is due to earwax. Follow these simple home tips to keep your ears clean.
There are other medical causes of Hearing loss.
- Tumours
- Genetic or hereditary traits.
- Malformation of the ear canal or inner ear.
Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss means reduced ability to hear. Do not confuse it with Deafness. Hearing loss starts slowly and keeps increasing gradually. As the increase is gradual, it is difficult for the affected person to self-diagnose.
People who suspect they have a hearing loss can answer this simple questionnaire. But the final confirmation should be after undergoing an Audiometry test. Some symptoms are visible to others but not to the person with Hearing Loss. Given below are some common symptoms of Hearing Loss.
Difficulty in following conversations.
The first sign of Hearing Loss is when one starts missing out on a few words in a conversation. The Hearing loss is not very obvious if the conversation is between two people facing each other.
- Difficulty in following the conversation if the person is talking from behind or some distance away.
- Difficulty in listening while in a group discussion. Like an office meeting or a family get-together.
- Difficulty in following the conversation if the conversation is in a noisy area, like a restaurant or while travelling in a bus.
- At times the affected person can hear but the words are not clear.
- Unable to locate the source of sound if someone calls out.
- Missing out on normal everyday sounds. H3
The person with Hearing loss tends to miss out on normal everyday sounds.
- Unable to hear the doorbell or the ring of the telephone.
- Missing out on words in a telephone conversation.
- Having difficulty in following conversation with children and ladies as compared to males.
Common signs that indicate a hearing loss
The family of the person having Hearing loss should also be aware of the symptoms. Some signs are visible to others.
- The affected person increases the volume of the television or the radio. The loud volume may be unbearable to the other family members.
- The affected person complains about others not speaking loud enough or clearly.
- The affected person misunderstands during a conversation.
- Requesting others to repeat themselves.
- Gradual withdrawal from family discussions and social events.
- The affected person will show signs of tiredness. Straining oneself to hear causes stress.
The symptoms mentioned above are mostly relevant to people suffering from age related Hearing loss. The disturbing fact is that Hearing loss is not limited to the elderly. 20% of the young population over 20 years suffers from Hearing loss. The Hearing loss among the youth is because of the trend of listening to music at high volumes. The youth can listen to music and yet take care of their hearing if they follow some simple ear Health tips.
The aging population over 60 are sensitive and need proper counselling. They are reluctant to accept the fact and are not keen to consult a Hearing professional. It is often challenging to make them use Hearing aids. Hearing aids are the only solution for age related or Sensorineural Hearing loss. Follow the simple tips to convince your parents to use Hearing aids.
As per the latest scientific studies, the Hearing impaired elders withdraw from active interaction and social life. This withdrawal causes depression and also leads to Alzheimer’s disease. We should not take Hearing loss lightly and seek immediate medical help.
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