5 Causes Of Hearing Loss

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Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are just a few of the main causes, how you can protect yourself from them and what you can do if you’ve already noticed the first signs of hearing loss.

Noise exposure

Prolonged exposure to loud noises is a common way in which many people damage their hearing. This could include listening to loud music, attending a motorsports event or being in a loud work environment such as a construction site. Wearing ear protection in these loud environments or keeping your music volume at a sensible volume can prevent hearing loss. Ringing in the ears after exposure to loud noise is the most obvious sign that damage has occurred. If you’ve noticed a constant ringing in your ears (tinnitus) or you have to constantly turn up the TV, you may want to visit an audiologist to get your hearing checked and possibly buy a hearing aid.

Barotrauma

Barotrauma is an injury caused by a direct blow to the ear, usually resulting in a perforated eardrum and instant hearing loss. Situations where this could happen include pressure from diving or getting punched in the ear while boxing. Taking precautions such as equalizing early when diving or always wearing a headguard when boxing can reduce the risk of such injuries. Barotrauma injuries can heal on their own, although it may be worth seeing a doctor just to check the severity as some cases may require medicine or even surgery to heal.

Infection

Ear infections can also lead to hearing loss (usually temporary, unless the infection is not dealt with). An ear infection could be brought on by a cold or from having water in the ears. An infection can even develop after barotrauma. To prevent ear infections you should try to keep your immune system up by getting lots of vitamins as well as keeping your ears dry (when swimming, it could be worth wearing a swimming cap or simply taking the effort to dry out your ears after). You should book an appointment with a primary care doctor if you suspect you have an infection. They will be able to offer the best form of treatment to help clear it up.

Earwax build-up

Too much earwax in your ears can cause blockage and hearing loss. This is most commonly caused by using cotton swabs to clean out one’s ears (cotton swabs usually end up pushing earwax further into the ear canal resulting in impactions). To prevent earwax build-ups, stop using cotton swabs. You’re much better off rinsing your ears out with water. As for loosening up existing blockages, consider using eardrops or looking into professional ear cleaning.

Aging

Unfortunately, hearing loss can also occur naturally with age. You’re more susceptible over the age of 50 – consider booking a hearing test if you’re older than 50 and have noticed that you’re having trouble hearing. A hearing aid could be required to help get your hearing back to normal.