Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be the result of damage to any one of these sections.

Causes in the outer ear

Typical problems with the outer ear include ear wax plugs and infections of the auditory canal. Usually, addressing these problems is very easy. But it is important to act quickly in order to avoid hearing damage.

Causes in the middle ear

Inflammation, fluid behind the eardrum, perforations of the eardrum and otosclerosis (a stiffening of the bones in the middle ear) are the most common problems to interfere with middle ear function. Most outer and middle ear problems can be addressed effectively with medication or surgery. If this is not possible, permanent hearing loss can be compensated with a hearing device in most cases.

Causes in the inner ear

The majority of hearing issues concern the inner ear. The most common cause is the natural ageing process. But loud noise, taking some types of medication, or skull fractures can also have a negative influence on a person’s hearing ability. These influences damage the fine hair cells and affect the transmission of signals to the auditory nerves. Usually, inner ear hearing loss cannot be addressed medically. However, this type of hearing loss can be corrected with a hearing device in most cases.

Hearing loss caused by an outer or middle ear defect is called conductive hearing loss. Damage to the inner ear is called sensorineural hearing loss. If both types occur together, the condition is called mixed hearing loss.

We hear with our brains

The hearing process starts when your ears pick up sounds but the difficult work takes place in your brain.

When all parts of the hearing process are working your brain can quickly and easily turn sounds into meaning.

However, when this is disrupted well-fitted hearing aids will support your brain in getting the most out of sound.