What are the causes of
hearing loss?

There are many different causes of hearing loss. Some come from the world around us: Noisy machinery, loud music, gunshots and explosions, the roar of motorcycles and jet planes. Some can come from inside us, including hearing loss caused by the side effects of medication or ear infections. But the most common causes of hearing loss have to do with ordinary aging.

Causes of hearing loss

Many people will find their ability to hear some sounds begins to decline around age 50.  This is because hair cells in the cochlea, the spiral cavity in your inner ear, begin showing some wear and tear around that age. 

But other causes of hearing loss can affect people much earlier in life. Sometimes an ear infection or other medical condition can cause hearing loss. Environmental factors can also affect hearing, from loud sounds like fireworks or gunshots to chemotherapy or medication side effects.

Still, the main cause of hearing loss is age. The cochlea in your ear has about 15,000 tiny hairs that transform sounds into electrical signals for your brain to process. Combined with the natural aging of your brain, the diminished function of these tiny hairs is one of the most common causes of hearing loss.
Most common types of hearing loss
couple and grandkids playing

What can you do to protect your hearing?

Protecting your hearing is important. It’s always worthwhile to wear ear protection around loud noises.

If you think you may already have some hearing loss, it’s important to get a hearing test as soon as possible.

This is because the brain can actually “forget” how to hear certain sounds if it hasn’t heard them for a while.

In fact, studies show people with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia over time.

Hearing loss treatments
Sound barometer.

Find a hearing care professional

Hearing tests are easy. All you’ll have to do is put on some headphones so an audiologist can check which tones you can hear. There’s no poking and prodding.

Whatever your cause of hearing loss may be, your hearing care professional will be able to suggest a treatment that will help you hear better.
Get your hearing tested
ReSound hearing care professional interacting with a patient during an appointment.