There are several possible causes of hearing loss. And the most common are aging and heredity. As people grow older, they may gradually accept hearing loss as normal and unavoidable.
Remember, it is important to learn what causes hearing loss and identify underlying medical conditions that affect the type and severity of the condition.
Timely intervention can help identify the cause and treat it right at the source. Here are some medical conditions that can cause hearing loss.
1. Otosclerosis
It is a rare medical condition that causes conductive hearing loss (involving the middle ear) and makes it difficult for the small bones in the middle ear to move.
It is genetic and is more common in women than men. Symptoms include tinnitus, dizziness, or hearing a hissing or roaring sound.
2. Meniere
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear hearing disorder that interferes with hearing and balance. According to Hoffmann Audiology, this condition can cause vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or sensorineural hearing loss. This disease can occur at any age and usually affects one ear.
3. Measles
A viral infection that is most common in children, in which the brain swells and damages nerves. This can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
4. Mumps
This infection is common in children and causes the salivary glands to become inflamed, causing the cheeks to swell. This condition can cause damage to the cochlea, a spiral cavity in the inner ear that contains tiny hair cells.
These cells convert vibrations into nerve impulses that are then interpreted by the brain as sound. Damage to these cells can result in decreased clarity and volume.
5. Diabetes
According to a study, hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as in those without the disease. Because the resulting hearing loss worsens over time, symptoms can be difficult to spot right away.
6. Acoustic neuroma
These are noncancerous tumors that grow directly on the nerves responsible for hearing and balance.
These tumors may start small but can gradually grow to a larger, more threatening size. Even if the tumor is surgically removed, the patient may still experience hearing loss.
But it turns out, in addition to the medical conditions above, some drugs can also damage the structure of the ear and cause hearing loss. For that, you need to check your health and consult a doctor or health worker first to find out the most appropriate medicine.
So, if you feel something “unusual” in your hearing, see a doctor immediately. Don’t be late!