What Are The Main Causes of Hearing Loss?

When we are younger, it’s easy to take our hearing for granted but as we age, we may start to notice a deterioration in our ability to hear certain things. When this happens, you might start to panic and wonder what the cause could be and how you can fix it.

The main causes of hearing loss in older adults

When you are diagnosed with a hearing loss, you will likely be diagnosed with one of two types – conductive or sensorineural. Which one you have will be dictated by where the soundwaves are interrupted when they enter the ear. With conductive loss, the sound waves are stopped at the outer or middle ear. With sensorineural loss, they are stopped at the inner ear.

If you have conductive hearing loss, it is usually as a result of a blockage or foreign object in the outer or middle ear. The soundwaves will be interrupted at this point and cause hearing loss. Conductive loss can happen at any age, but it can also be as a result of genetics, head trauma, or ill health.

Sensorineural loss is more likely to occur in older adults as a natural result of aging. While it can also happen at any age, external factors, such as loud work environments and exposure to certain toxins, can take time to affect the inner ear enough for you to notice, which makes it more common in those over 50. Sensorineural loss can also be caused by genetics, head trauma, and ill health.

What can be done?

It is important to look after our hearing throughout our lives, but it becomes even more important as we start to get older. If you start to notice a deterioration in your hearing, you would be wise to book a hearing assessment and here at Celestial Hearing Solutions, we would be happy to get you started and help you prevent any further complications from arising. If left untreated, hearing loss can continue to deteriorate and can accelerate the progress of other mental and physical conditions. With over 50% of people age 80 and above suffering with some degree of hearing loss, this is a primary concern for them. A hearing assessment will be able to pinpoint where the problem is and will help you and your hearing specialist decide on the correct course of action for your specific hearing needs and work together on a plan that supports you.

Get started

If you’re worried you may be suffering with a hearing loss, or if you think a loved one might need an assessment, then Celestial Hearing Solutions is happy to help. Based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, you will be met with a very warm and friendly welcome. To book your hearing evaluation, please click here to fill out a short form and we can get started!