In most instances, hearing loss is as a result aging. However, other contributing factors can lead to hearing loss at an early age. For example, genetics plays a major role in someone’s hearing levels.  Let us look at types of hearing loss so that you can understand factors that affect your hearing.

Sensorineural hearing loss

This type of hearing loss happens when the sensory hair cells in the cochlea are damaged gradually or die. Another cause of Sensorineural hearing loss is the subsequent damage of the neural pathways of hearing.

There are two common forms Sensorineural hearing loss. That is, Presbyacusis and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when someone works on with noisy equipments such as pneumatic drills or spending most of your time in a noisy environment such as nightclubs. Another Noise-induced hearing loss risk factor is listening to music at high volumes especially using earphones. Fortunately, today there are readily available hearing protections for industrial use, home application or leisure.

Uses of ototoxic drugs (drugs known to damaging hearing) are known to cause Sensorineural hearing. The drugs cause not only hearing loss but also tinnitus and balance disorders. Once the medication is stopped, some symptoms may stop while other damages caused may be permanent.  Some of the ototoxic drugs include loop diuretics antibiotics such as flurosemide and chemotherapy agents based on platinum such as cisplatin.

Conductive hearing loss

The conductive hearing loss commonly occurs when the ear canal or Eustachian tube is blocked hindering sounds to pass to the inner ear.  Wax build-up may be a major cause. Fortunately,  that can be removed by wax removal effectively.

Other Conductive hearing loss causes such as glue ear, and otitis can be treated with either minor surgery or medication.  For irreversible Conductive hearing loss, one can use hearing aids or can be prescribed to a more specialized devices such as bone conduction hearing aids.

Mixed hearing loss

This is a combination of Conductive hearing loss and Sensorineural hearing loss. A person ends up having inner, middle and outer ear problems. Treatment can be either use of hearing aids, medication or minor surgery.

Presbyacusis

This type of hearing loss is normal and is related to age. Gradual weakening of hair cells in the cochlea, which is as result of the aging process, causes it. Presbyacusis occurs progressively, irreversible and occurs in both ears mostly.

Hearing high-frequency sounds such as children’s and women voices become difficult. Additionally, identifying consonant sounds becomes harder making it difficult to differentiate between background noise and speech.

The fact remains that age is the greatest cause of hearing loss. Most people begin to lose a bit their hearing at the age of 30’s and 40’s, which progressively become worse as they get older. By the age of 80’s, most people will have lost a great amount of hearing ability. Presbyacusis hearing loss can be treated by prescription of hearing aids.

Noise-induced hearing loss

Young people often overlook the significance of hearing, and they end up exposing themselves to high levels of music that potentially causes hearing damage. Luckily, young people have grater chances of effective quick recovery. However, this is not always the case, and some may take longer to recover or even suffer from the permanent hearing loss.