Hearing loss occurs when an individual experiences a decline in hearing sounds or impaired auditory function. It can range from mild to severe and can be caused by several factors, from ageing and loud noise exposure to blockages and structural abnormalities in the ear. Hearing loss can be classified into three main types: conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss typically affects the outer or middle ear, which prevents sound from being transmitted effectively to the inner ear. On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to tiny hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. In some cases, damage may occur in both the inner ear and the middle or outer ear, a condition called mixed hearing loss.
Hearing loss can result from several factors, depending on its type. Understanding them can help individuals prevent or manage the condition.
Common Causes of Conductive Hearing Loss
- Blockage/Obstruction: Excessive ear wax buildup, foreign bodies, or infection in the ear canal can block sound passage to the eardrum, leading to impaired normal hearing.
- Perforated Eardrum: Also known as tympanic membrane perforation, this condition occurs when there is a hole or tear in the thin tissue separating the middle ear from the outer ear canal. This often results from trauma, chronic infection, or sudden changes in pressure.
- Dislocated or Damaged Ossicles: The three small bones in the middle ear—the malleus, incus, and stapes—can become detached or damaged over time due to injury, infection, or congenital conditions, causing hearing loss.
- Otitis Media: An inflammation or infection in the middle ear can lead to fluid buildup and impaired sound transmission, causing temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Common Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Ageing: As people age, the structures in the inner ear and auditory nerve can gradually damage or deteriorate. This can result in decreased hearing sensitivity to high-pitched sounds and sometimes ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Exposure to Loud Noise: Also known as acoustic trauma, prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as those from machinery, music, or firearms, can damage the sensory cells in the cochlea, leading to irreversible hearing loss.
- Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections, such as meningitis, measles, and mumps, may cause inflammation and damage to the inner ear, causing hearing loss that usually affects one ear only.
- Ménière’s Disease: This chronic inner ear disorder is often caused by abnormal inner ear fluid pressure that affects one’s balance and hearing. It typically presents recurrent episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.
- Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumour may form on the vestibular nerve, the main nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This growth can exert pressure on the auditory nerve and affect its function.
- Ototoxic Drugs: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and diuretics, can deteriorate the auditory nerves or cochlear sensory cells, causing hearing loss.
Hearing loss is a complex condition, and knowing its common causes can help individuals prevent or manage it better.
The treatment option depends on the underlying cause and the type of hearing loss. In some cases, treating the underlying condition, such as removing ear wax or treating an infection, can help restore hearing. In other cases, the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants may be necessary.
It is important for individuals experiencing hearing loss to seek medical attention promptly as early intervention can prevent further deterioration and improve hearing health. For appointments, please contact us at 6738 1616 today.
