Hearing Loss: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

April 14,2022
2 Min Read

Hearing loss can affect one or both ears and vary from mild to severe to profound. There are various causes, and it can strike anyone at any age, but it is most frequent in people over 60 years.

Ear problems can be distressing and may be linked with other health conditions. Though ear infections are more common in children than adults, taking regular ear check-ups is essential.

What are the types of hearing loss?

A hearing loss can occur when any part of the ear or auditory (hearing) system is not working correctly.

Conductive (involves outer or middle ear): Hearing loss caused by something obstructing sounds from getting through the outer or middle ear; often treatable with medicine or surgery.
Sensorineural (involves inner ear): Hearing loss occurs when there is a difficulty in the way the inner ear or hearing nerve works.
Mixed (combination of the two): Hearing loss includes both a conductive and a sensorineural hearing loss.

What are the causes and risk factors of hearing loss?

The causes and risk factors of hearing loss include, but are not limited to, the following:

Chronic ear infections (chronic suppurative otitis media)
Accumulation of fluid in the ear (chronic nonsuppurative otitis media)
Low birth-weight
Lack of oxygen during the time of birth (birth asphyxia)
Chronic diseases - diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, etc.
Smoking
Otosclerosis
Age-related inner ear (sensorineural) degeneration
Cerumen impaction (impacted ear wax)
Trauma to the ear or head
Loud noise/sounds
Nutritional deficiencies
Viral infections and other ear conditions
Delayed onset or progressive genetic hearing loss

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

Although symptoms vary depending on various factors, some common ones are:

Trouble understanding words, primarily against background noise or in a crowd
Muffling of speech and other sounds
Trouble hearing consonants
Listening to loud volume on the television or the radio
Frequently requesting others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly
Withdrawal from conversations
Avoidance of some social settings

Recommended tests

At Suburban Diagnostics, we offer Audiometry tests for:

Difficulty in hearing
Unexplained vertigo
Unexplained dizziness
Pre-employment check-ups
To pilots and cabin crew
To mountain hikers and trekkers
For Autism
Learning disabilities
Corporate health check-ups

How to prevent hearing loss?

Turn down the volume of the TV, radio, or music.
If listening to loud music, take listening breaks to reduce your exposure.
Walk away from the loud noise.
Use hearing protection devices (such as earplugs and earmuffs) when you cannot avoid loud sounds.
Get regularly screened for hearing.