Causes of Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss are caused by different factors. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a loss of sound transmission any where along the line from the air surrounding the outer ear through the middle ear to the inner ear. Anything that interferes with this sound transmission can cause hearing to be reduced.  Some of the causes of conductive hearing loss include

  • ear infections that cause fluid build-up
  • wax build-up in the middle ear
  • inability of the ear drum to transfer vibrations from damage due to injury or infection
  • otosclerosis, which is a condition in which the bone surrounding the middle ear grow and block the movement of the ossicles
  • congenital defects in the formation of the ear that causes sound to be poorly transmitted

 

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the pathway from the inner ear to the auditory nerve and brain is damaged and cannot transmit sound signals. There are many possible causes of sensorineural hearing loss including

  • extended exposure to loud sounds causing nerve damage
  • damage to the hair cells in the inner ear from injury or infection
  • loss of blood flow to the nerve caused by a stroke
  • a brain tumor that blocks or damages the auditory nerve
  • inflammation of the brain nerve coverings, such as meningitis or multiple sclerosis

 

Hearing Loss in Children

Hearing loss or deafness at birth is normally due to problems at birth or to inherited conditions. Diseases contracted by the pregnant mother can affect the auditory status of the child. Rubella is known to cause profound nerve deafness in infants.

Children also often suffer from conductive hearing loss due to wax build-up in the ears, the placement of a foreign object in the ear or fluid build-up due to infection. Once the obstruction is removed from the ear, hearing is typically restored.

 

Hearing Loss in Adults

In adults, if the hearing loss is caused by viral infection or injury, hearing loss can occur very suddenly. If the hearing loss is caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise, hearing loss can occur gradually.

In older Americans, hearing loss is ranked as the third most prominent chronic health condition. Statistics suggest that 25 to 40% of the older population (60 years of age and older) have hearing impairment. Hearing loss can be a normal part of the aging process, or it can indicate a serious underlying condition.  It is best to receive regular health check-ups, including hearing testing, for those over 60 years of age and to visit the doctor immediately is significant hearing loss is noticed.