What it is, what causes it, what kinds exist, and what you can do about it. Written by our audiologists for patients who want to understand what’s actually going on.
The phrase covers a wide range of conditions, each with its own cause and its own answer. Knowing which kind you have shapes everything that comes next.
The most common type. Caused by changes in the inner ear or auditory nerve. Often gradual, often age-related or noise-induced. Usually managed with hearing aids.
Caused by something blocking sound from reaching the inner ear: wax buildup, fluid, perforated eardrum, middle ear bone issues. Often medically or surgically treatable.
Elements of both sensorineural and conductive at the same time. The conductive part may be treatable medically while hearing aids help with the sensorineural part.
The most common cause in adults over 60. Gradual, usually higher frequencies first, often runs in families.
Years of loud workplaces, music, motorcycles, firearms, or power tools add up. The damage is cumulative and largely permanent, which is why protection matters.
Some patterns of hearing loss run in families, including some that show up earlier in life than typical age-related change.
A handful of medications can affect hearing, including some chemotherapy drugs, certain antibiotics, and high-dose loop diuretics.
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain autoimmune conditions can affect hearing health. Hearing is often a useful early signal that something else needs attention.
If hearing drops suddenly in one or both ears, treat it as urgent. See your physician right away. Early treatment can sometimes recover hearing that would otherwise be lost.
If any of this sounds like you or someone you love, the next step is a comprehensive evaluation. That tells us what kind of hearing change is happening and what the right response looks like for your case.
You don’t have to commit to anything beyond the evaluation. Plenty of patients leave with reassurance that everything is fine. Others leave with a clear plan. Both are wins.
See what testing looks like
Call us, book online, or send us a note. We’ll get you in within the week at the office that’s closer to you.