What Causes Hearing Impairment?

Hearing impairment can affect anyone, at any age. It can develop slowly or appear suddenly. Some people are born with it, while others develop it later in life. But what actually causes hearing loss? Understanding the causes can help you protect your hearing and know when to seek help.

The Main Causes of Hearing Impairment

There are many possible causes of hearing impairment, and they usually fall into one of three categories: environmental, medical, or genetic. Here’s a comprehensive look at what can damage your hearing and why.

1. Aging (Presbycusis)

Aging is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Over time, the tiny hair cells inside your cochlea naturally deteriorate. These cells help convert sound vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain. Once they’re damaged, they don’t grow back. Speech may start sounding muffled, especially in noisy places.

Men work at a construction center.

2. Loud Noise Exposure

Noise-induced hearing loss can result from years of loud environments or one sudden blast. Jobs in construction, farming, or manufacturing increase risk. So does using headphones at high volume, attending loud concerts, or riding motorcycles. Noise above 70 decibels can cause damage over time. Sounds above 120 decibels can harm hearing instantly.

3. Ototoxic Medications

Some drugs can damage the inner ear. These include:

  • Certain chemotherapy medications
  • Aminoglycoside antibiotics (like streptomycin and neomycin)
  • Loop diuretics (like Lasix)
  • High doses of aspirin
  • Some antimalarial drugs These may lead to temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Always check with your provider about medication risks.

Learn more about common medications that can cause hearing loss. 

4. Infections and Illnesses

Viral and bacterial infections can directly damage the inner ear or auditory nerve. These include:

  • Mumps and measles
  • Meningitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Shingles
  • Severe flu
  • High fevers Conditions like diabetes, stroke, and autoimmune diseases can also reduce blood flow to the ear and harm hearing.

5. Head and Ear Injuries

Trauma to the head or ear can disrupt hearing. Possible injuries include:

  • Skull fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Ruptured eardrum
  • Dislocation of tiny middle ear bones These can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, depending on the damage.

6. Heredity and Genetic Conditions

Some people are born with genetic predispositions to hearing impairment. Inherited conditions can affect how the ear develops or how well it resists noise damage. Hearing loss might show up early or worsen with age.

7. Blockages and Structural Issues

Sometimes, sound can’t travel to the inner ear properly. Causes include:

  • Earwax buildup
  • Fluid or pus from infections
  • Foreign objects in the ear
  • Abnormal bone growth (otosclerosis)
  • Tumors like acoustic neuroma These typically cause conductive hearing loss and may be treatable with medication or surgery.

8. Ménière’s Disease

This inner ear condition typically affects people aged 30–50. It causes fluctuating hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. Over time, hearing loss may become permanent. The exact cause is unknown, but it may involve fluid buildup.

9. Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

In this rare condition, the body mistakenly attacks inner ear cells. It causes rapid hearing loss, often in both ears. Early medical treatment can sometimes limit the damage.

Find out more about how stress affects hearing loss. 

How Hearing Works: A Quick Refresher

Your ear is a finely tuned system with three parts:

  • Outer Ear: Collects sound and directs it inward.
  • Middle Ear: Contains the eardrum and three small bones that amplify sound.
  • Inner Ear: Houses the cochlea, a fluid-filled structure lined with tiny hairs.

These hairs send sound signals to the brain via the auditory nerve. If any part of this system fails, hearing impairment can result.

Explore frequently asked questions about hearing loss. 

A woman cups her ear and leans to hear better.

Types of Hearing Loss

Understanding your type of hearing loss can guide treatment options.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This occurs when the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. It’s usually permanent. Causes include aging, noise exposure, illness, and medications. Hearing aids often help.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Sound can’t reach the inner ear due to blockages or structural issues. Causes include earwax, infections, or ear deformities. It can often be treated with medicine or surgery.

Mixed Hearing Loss

A combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Treatment depends on which type is more severe.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is classified by how much sound you can detect:

  • Mild: Trouble hearing soft speech or whispers
  • Moderate: Difficulty understanding normal speech
  • Severe: Only loud sounds are heard
  • Profound: Very limited or no hearing

Complications of Untreated Hearing Impairment

Ignoring hearing loss can lead to serious consequences:

  • Depression: Difficulty communicating can lead to isolation and sadness
  • Cognitive Decline: Studies link hearing loss to memory and thinking issues
  • Balance Problems: Hearing is closely tied to equilibrium and fall risk
  • Frustration: Struggling to hear loved ones affects relationships and mental health

How Loud Is Too Loud?

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Here are some examples:

  • 30 dB: Whisper (safe)
  • 60 dB: Conversation (safe)
  • 85 dB: City traffic (risky over time)
  • 100 dB: Snowmobile (dangerous after 15 minutes)
  • 140+ dB: Firecracker (can cause instant damage)

Use ear protection in noisy environments to prevent hearing damage.

Understand more about untreated hearing loss in millennials and Gen Z. 

When to See a Hearing Care Provider

Don’t wait if you notice these signs:

  • You ask people to repeat themselves often
  • Speech sounds muffled
  • You hear ringing (tinnitus)
  • Conversations in noise are hard to follow

A hearing test can determine your type and degree of hearing impairment. The sooner you know, the sooner you can get help.

Let Stanford Hearing Help

If you’re experiencing signs of hearing loss, you’re not alone. Many causes of hearing impairment are manageable or treatable. Our caring team in Sioux Falls is here to help you understand your hearing, find answers, and choose the best path forward.

Contact Stanford Hearing today to schedule your comprehensive hearing evaluation.