The Top 5 Causes of Hearing Loss in Adults
Hearing loss can happen to anyone, and it often sneaks up on you before you even realize it. Knowing the common causes and keeping up with your hearing health through regular tests can help you stay connected to the world around you. Let’s explore five reasons adults experience hearing loss and what you can do to take care of your ears.
1. Aging (Presbycusis)
As we get older, a little wear and tear is natural—and that includes the tiny hair cells in our inner ears that help us hear. This kind of age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis, often makes it harder to catch higher-pitched sounds or follow conversations in noisy settings.
Regular hearing checkups can help you stay on top of these changes and find ways to keep hearing the moments that matter most.
2. Noise Exposure
Ever left a concert or noisy workplace with ringing in your ears? That’s your ears telling you, “That was a lot!” Over time, exposure to loud sounds, like music, machinery, or cranking up your earbuds, can damage the sensitive hair cells in your cochlea. And once those cells are damaged, they don’t grow back.
Taking steps like using ear protection and getting regular hearing tests can help preserve your hearing for the long haul.
3. Ear Infections and Medical Conditions
Ear infections aren’t just something kids deal with. Adults can get them too, and if left untreated, they can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can also affect blood flow to the inner ear, which can impact your hearing.
Keeping up with your overall health and addressing infections quickly can make a big difference.
4. Medications
Did you know that some medications can affect your hearing? Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and even large doses of aspirin can have ototoxic side effects, which means they can harm your ears.
If you’re taking medication, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about possible side effects and pay attention to any changes in your hearing.
5. Genetics
Hearing loss can run in the family, so if your relatives have dealt with it, you might be more likely to as well. While you can’t change your genes, knowing your family history gives you the chance to stay proactive. Regular hearing tests can help you catch any changes early so you can take action right away.
Why Regular Hearing Tests Are Worth It
Think of hearing tests as a quick checkup for your ears. They’re an easy way to catch changes in your hearing before they start affecting your everyday life. The earlier you spot an issue, the more options you’ll have to address it, like hearing aids or other solutions. Keeping up with your hearing health helps you stay connected to the people and activities you love most.
Stop by Ultimate Hearing of Tennessee for Friendly, Expert Care
At Ultimate Hearing of Tennessee, we want you to enjoy life’s sounds to the fullest. Whether it’s time for a routine check or you’ve started noticing changes, our team is here to help. With state-of-the-art technology and a friendly, welcoming vibe, we make it easy to take care of your hearing. Give us a call or drop by to book your hearing test—we’re excited to help you stay connected to what matters most.
Content inspired by information from the Mayo Clinic: Hearing loss – symptoms and causes.
