The Causes of Acquired Hearing Loss

The Causes of Acquired Hearing Loss

In Hearing Loss by Aaron Gingrich

Hearing loss is a widespread health problem and affects 38 million Americans. Yet, there is still some way to go in understanding the causes of the condition. Researchers are working hard to figure out what causes us to lose our hearing and how to avoid and manage the disease.

What we do know so far is that the causes of hearing loss are either congenital or acquired.

Congenital means the hearing loss happened at the time of birth, or rather shortly after birth. It can be due to genetic or non-genetic causes.

An acquired hearing loss comes from something that occurs after birth. The general causes of acquired hearing loss are coming from three sources, according to the latest research. Let’s take a look at each in turn.

1. Health complications

This is where the hearing loss occurs as an effect of a pre-existing condition.

The most common medical cause of hearing loss is Ear infections. Also known as acute otitis media, middle ear diseases are common among young children, causing irritation, pain, and inflammation of the inner ear.

If too much fluid builds up in the space behind the eardrum, this may obstruct the functioning of the eardrum and middle ear bones, which causes hearing issues.

Younger children are more likely to develop middle ear infections because their immune systems are not as mature, making it difficult for them to fend off respiratory diseases.

Additional medical causes of adult hearing loss include:

Ménière’s disease: That is a problem with the inner ear. It is not clear what causes Ménière’s disease. It typically starts in people aged between 30 and 50 years. A person with this condition will have a sensorineural hearing loss. Dizziness and tinnitus are also common. The hearing loss comes and goes, but some damage becomes permanent over time.

An autoimmune disease of the inner ear: An autoimmune disorder is one that attacks the body itself. The form of hearing loss happens quickly. When you unexpectedly lose your hearing, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical treatment can aid in minimizing hearing loss.

2. Side effects of medications

In some instances, certain drugs are considered ototoxic (damaging to your ears). Worryingly, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, more than 200 such medications are currently on the market.

While it is not sure that they can cause hearing loss, if the unexpected happens, it is necessary to be aware of these. If you are taking medicine and have experienced signs of hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Here is a list of drugs most widely known to cause hearing loss:

  • NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen.
  • Aspirin in large amounts.
  • Quinine
  • Loop diuretics
  • Antibiotics are used to treat kidney diseases.

Remember that these drugs are not guaranteed to be damaging to your hearing. To remain vigilant however, always read the label and seek medical help if you notice a change in your hearing or any other medical issue.

3. Noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur in individuals of any age. Depending on the source and intensity of the noise, it may grow suddenly or slowly.

  • Suddenly: When a sudden, incredibly loud sound, such as an explosion, a gunshot, or a firecracker near the ear, damages either of the ear structures and causes immediate, dangerous, and sometimes permanent hearing loss. Sometimes, such a condition requires urgent medical attention.
  • Slowly: This is a more common and slower cause of noise-induced hearing loss that develops cumulatively over many years. Repeated exposure to these sounds can wear down delicate hair cells over time, meaning that they fail to function as they should.

Understanding how hearing loss is acquired makes it easier for you to prevent it from happening in the first place. If you think you have a hearing loss, contact us at Absolute Audio. We will check your hearing and help you find the right ways to treat it so that you can resume those all-important connections to your loved ones.