Hearing Loss Has Many Causes

Many people think of hearing loss as something that only affects us as we age. While age is the most common cause of hearing loss, it’s not the only one. People of any age can suffer a loss of hearing. 

For some, it’s a gradual process that takes years to notice. For others, it may be sudden. In fact, you might be surprised by some of the causes, like:

• Health conditions
• Medications, and
• Chronic stress

Whatever the cause, hearing loss can affect your relationships, your social life, and your everyday enjoyment of the little things. At CCMC Hearing Care, we’ll diagnose your hearing loss and help you understand your treatment options. 

Visit our website to learn more or to schedule an appointment!

What's Harming Your Hearing?

You probably know that noise exposure and aging can both cause hearing loss, but did you know that certain health conditions and medications can too? 

Conditions that affect blood circulation can affect your hearing. For example, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can all decrease blood flow to the tiny blood vessels in your ears, affecting how they function.

Some medications can also damage your ears, temporarily or permanently. These are called ototoxic, meaning toxic to your ears. Some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and diuretics (water pills) can be ototoxic, as well as some over the counter pain killers, if taken in large doses for a long time. 

Visit our website to learn more about hearing loss or to schedule an appointment!

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Did you know there are four main types of hearing loss? 

1. Sensorineural is the most common type. It is a gradual loss caused by damage to the cells and/or nerves in the ear. 
2. Conductive is when sound waves can’t reach the inner ear. It can be caused by infection, trauma to the ear, or a blockage. Conductive hearing loss can often be reversed, or partially reversed, with the right treatment.
3. Congenital is hearing loss that a person is born with. There are many different causes, including genetic factors, infections, premature birth. It’s important to diagnose hearing loss in newborns because it can affect their development.
4. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the other types. For example, a person could have sensorineural loss and also have an infection in the inner ear (conductive).

Visit our website to learn more about hearing loss or to schedule an appointment.