Reviewing the Types & Causes of Hearing Loss

Have you been turning up the volume lately on your TV and radio? Does it sound like everyone you talk to is mumbling? It might be the early signs of hearing loss. While there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to hearing loss, there are a few basic facts to remember.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are three types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, or mixed (a combination of the first two). Conductive hearing loss is related to the outer and middle ear, ear canals and bones. Conductive hearing loss prevents sound from properly traveling through these areas of the area due to physical malformations or blockage. Sensorineural hearing loss is related to the inner ear. This form of hearing loss occurs when there is damage to inner ear hair cells, which do not regenerate once they have died. Sensorineural hearing loss prevents sound from being translated into electric signals which are delivered to the brain to be processed as sound. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, affecting various areas of the ear simultaneously.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Often times, it is difficult to pinpoint one single cause for hearing loss. Among the causes are: Exposure to loud noise. Exposure to loud noise may cause gradual hearing loss over a long period of time or in some cases, such as explosions, it may cause instant hearing loss (acoustic trauma). Certain occupations, such as construction or factory work, pose a risk to hearing if attended without proper ear care protection. A high number of war veterans experience noise-related hearing loss as well. Presbycusis. Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss and occurs naturally and gradually over time. This hearing loss is usually sensorineural, caused by death of inner ear hair cells. Infection. Otitis media – infection of the inner ear – may cause fluid blockage within ear canals and lead to hearing loss. Fluid blockage within the Eustachian tube may also be a cause. Disease. Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear, while otosclerosis is a hereditary disease that causes an overgrowth of inner ear bones. Medication. There are over 100 classes of drugs which may lead to hearing loss, due to their side effects. Aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, and some chemotherapy drugs are known to cause hearing loss, as they destroy inner ear hair cells, which do not regenerate. Malformation of ear structures. Most of these cases are congenital, or present from birth. Any malformations of the auditory system, from the canal to the eardrum, to ear bones and tubes, may cause hearing loss. In some cases, surgery is an option and hearing may be restored. Head or neck trauma, tumors. The head and neck area encompass the auditory system, and injury or trauma to these areas may cause damage to muscles, bones, and nerves that relate to hearing. Tumors may also cause hearing loss if found in this area.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is currently the third most common physical condition in the United States, following heart disease and arthritis. Approximately 48 million Americans, or 20% of the population, experience some degree of hearing loss. This statistic increases for older Americans: approximately 33%, or one in three, people over the age of 65 experience hearing loss. It is estimated that 60% of the workforce experiences some degree of hearing loss. Although hearing loss is prevalent, it is reported that it takes a person an average of seven years from the time they experience early signs of hearing loss until they take a hearing test and seek treatment. Untreated hearing loss often time leads to greater implications. People with untreated hearing loss are at risk for depression, and higher levels of stress and anxiety. With difficulty hearing and recognizing speech, people tend to withdraw socially and isolate themselves. This takes a toll on one’s emotional well-being. Studies have also found potential links between untreated hearing loss and dementia; when the brain struggles to hear and attempts to fill in gaps of sound, a cognitive load may occur which increases the risk for dementia.

Visit Us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services

When it comes to hearing loss, the most important step you can take is to test your hearing. For people over the age of 50, an annual hearing test should be scheduled in your yearly medical checkups. Even if a hearing loss is not found, keeping track of your hearing abilities is good practice. Do you suspect that you may be experiencing hearing loss? Do you think a loved one might experience hearing loss? Visit us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services for a comprehensive hearing test and consultation.