Expert Advice on Causes and Types of Hearing Loss in Adelaide
The most common cause of hearing loss is nature, where people experience hearing loss with ageing. On average, men will start to lose their hearing at the age of 55 and women at 62. If one is exposed to significant noise, whether it is work or recreational noise, the onset of hearing loss can occur much sooner than the average age. Hearing loss occurs when there is a breakdown in the pathway of hearing and interpreting sounds. The main causes of hearing loss include:
- The aging process
- Excessive exposure to loud noise
Some other common causes of hearing loss include:
- Viruses
- Infections
- Hereditary / Genetic causes
- Ototoxic Drugs
- Head Injuries
Types of Hearing Loss
As we age, hearing loss becomes more common. On average, men may begin to experience hearing loss at age 55 and women at age 62 due to the natural ageing process. However, excessive exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss at a younger age. Hearing loss occurs when there is a breakdown in the pathway of hearing and sound interpretation. Common causes of hearing loss include ageing, excessive noise exposure, viruses, infections, hereditary/ genetic factors, ototoxic drugs, and head injuries.
Types of Hearing Loss
- Conductive
- Sensorineural
- Mixed
Conductive hearing loss is due to sound being restricted in the outer or middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss is due to damage in the inner ear hair cells or hearing nerve. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both types. Some other common causes of hearing loss include:
- Viruses
- Infections
- Hereditary/Genetic causes
- Ototoxic Drugs
- Head Injuries
It’s important to understand that both age-induced and noise-induced hearing loss are irreversible conditions, and hearing aid devices are often necessary for effective management. Take a proactive approach to your hearing health by scheduling a consultation with HearClear Audiology. Our team of experts will provide personalised solutions and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Don’t let hearing loss limit your quality of life – contact us today.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Hearing loss that is caused by age is often referred to as age-induced hearing loss or Presbycusis. Like the rest of our body, over time, our ears age and consequently our hearing can also diminish.
The cause of age-induced hearing loss is the natural deterioration of the hair cells within the inner ear. For some people this can occur rather rapidly and for others it occurs gradually over time.
Age-induced hearing loss is a non-preventable, natural occurrence for most people as they age.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
The second main cause of hearing loss is noise-induced hearing loss. Noise exposure at unsafe levels causes damage to the inner ear. When a person is either exposed to very loud sound even for a short time, or when a person is exposed to moderate-loud sound for extended periods of time, hearing loss may occur.
Hearing loss which is either age-induced or noise-induced is an irreversible condition. Unlike other parts of our body, our hearing does not regenerate or repair itself. This means that once your hearing is damaged or impaired, it can’t be restored without the use of hearing devices. However, unlike age-induced hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable.