Have you noticed lately that you struggle to follow conversations in group settings or have to listen to music or watch television at a higher volume? You may be experiencing hearing loss, a condition which can range in severity and often occurs gradually. If you suspect hearing loss may be to blame for these symptoms, consider the following three common causes and whether they apply to your situation.

Top Causes of Hearing Loss

1. Noise-Induced

Teenagers and adults alike are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss. When this occurs, the small hairs in your ears that help to send sounds to be processed are damaged. Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary, but over time, continuous exposure to deafening sounds can cause permanent damage. Symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss may include tinnitus, pressure in the ear, and mumbled speech for hours to days following the loud sound exposure.

2. Presbycusis

Hearing loss due to aging is known as presbycusis, and it’s one of the most common causes of hearing loss in senior individuals. Statistics show nearly 30-35% of adults over the age of 65 have a degree of hearing loss due to aging. As you age, subtle changes occur within the auditory system which also affect the cochlea. When this occurs, you may notice that sound isn’t as clear or loud as it was before. Words in conversation may sound muffled and speech lacks clarity. Tinnitus, a perception of a noise or ringing sensation in your ear, may also be present. 

3. Sudden

Sudden hearing loss is experienced immediately in one or both ears. The most common causes for sudden hearing loss are due to earwax impaction, infection, or exposure to an incredibly high volume of noise. When sudden hearing loss occurs, you will notice an instant difference in the sounds that you hear and may feel a fullness or clogged sensation in your ear. If you experience a sudden hearing loss, contact your audiologist for an evaluation as soon as possible so that proper steps may be taken, including referral to other specialists for treatment.

If you or someone you love is experiencing hearing loss, schedule a hearing test with one of our audiologists at Augusta Audiology Associates, PC, in Fishersville, VA. For twenty-five years our staff has offered the hearing care services you need most, from hearing tests to hearing aid fittings and adjustments. To learn more about the causes of hearing loss, visit our practice online or call (540) 332-5790.