Whether due to age, an accident, or illnesses, not everyone loses their hearing in the same way. There are several different situations that could ultimately require someone to need hearing aids or implants to mitigate their decreased auditory function. Below are some of the most common causes of hearing loss.

3 Contributors to Hearing Loss

1. Old Age

Many elderly people need hearing aids as they age. Hearing loss naturally occurs as people age, often as a result of wear on the hairs in the cochlea, middle ear changes, or even high blood pressure. With this type of hearing loss, individuals usually have a harder time distinguishing high-frequency sounds. It can also be harder to distinguish words in a conversation when background noise is present.

2. Illness

Some illnesses can contribute to hearing loss. Meniere’s disease and otosclerosis usually result in some form of hearing loss, though this is often treatable. Diseases like meningitis that cause a high fever can cause lasting damage to the cochlea and can result in hearing loss. While uncommon, some medications can also cause hearing loss and tinnitus as side effects.

3. Noise-Induced Exposure

Workers in industries such as construction and entertainment often experience hearing loss as a result of frequent exposure to loud noises. Excessively loud sounds will damage the hair cells on the inner ear, resulting in hearing loss. This is similar to the temporary noise-induced hearing loss that can occur after attending a loud rock concert or spending a day snowmobiling. People with constant exposure to such loud sounds can suffer permanent hearing loss if they don’t use proper protection. People who experience over 85 decibels at work should always wear hearing protection. If you are in a place with loud noises, such as a concert or home construction area, you should give your ears a break every 15 minutes to eliminate permanent hearing damage. 

Whether you think you need hearing testing or wish to get fitted for new hearing aids, you can trust the expert audiologists at R.W. Petruso Hearing & Audiology Center in Hermitage, PA. Serving Western Pennsylvania since 1973, their team uses award-winning technology to provide customized hearing solutions for your needs. To learn more about their services or to speak to a professional, visit them online or call (724) 981-5930.