What causes hearing loss?

• Posted on: Mar 15 2021
• By: The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas

Hearing can be impacted by many different factors. Some patients are born with hearing loss, while others may develop it with time. But what exactly causes hearing loss? The team at The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas are here to help patients learn about the ways in which hearing loss can occur, and steps patients can take to protect their hearing from damage with time.

What causes hearing loss?

Below is a sample of causes, both temporary and permanent, that may result in the loss of hearing, either at birth or during one’s lifetime:

• Inner ear damage. Anyone who experiences damage to the cochlea may notice a change in their hearing. The inner ear can be damaged by man means, including continued exposure to loud noises or the natural process of aging.
• Earwax buildup. For some patients, temporary hearing loss can occur when patients have a significant buildup of earwax in one or both ears. Earwax removal can restore hearing, and can be done at home or in our practice with irrigation techniques.
• Ear infections. An ear infection can cause a loss of hearing and will need to be treated effectively with antibiotics to restore hearing.
• Abnormal growths and tumors. Any growth or tumor that develops inside of the ear can cause muffling of sounds and may need to be removed or treated to restore effective hearing.
• Ruptured eardrum. An eardrum rupture can occur due to many different activities, including loud noises, changes in air pressure, infection, or using an object to poke the eardrum.
• Aging. The natural process of aging can cause degeneration of the inner ear structures, which can in turn cause gradual hearing loss with time. Hearing aids can help these patients restore hearing to an extent for a better quality of life.

Learn more about hearing loss prevention and care with our team

The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas are pleased to provide a wide range of services for patients in the communities of Celina, Plano, Allen, and McKinney, TX. Patients interested in booking an appointment with one of our providers at any of our locations are encouraged to call our primary line at (972) 984-1050. We accept new and reestablished patients into our state-of-the-art facility.

Posted in: Hearing loss