While most people associate hearing loss with aging or exposure to loud noises, there are several strange and often unexpected factors that can contribute to hearing loss. Understanding these causes of hearing loss can help you protect and preserve your hearing.
Autoimmune Disorders
You might be surprised to learn that autoimmune disorders can affect your hearing. One such disorder is autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). When your immune system mistakenly targets the inner ear, it can lead to inflammation and damage, resulting in hearing impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs can significantly improve hearing outcomes for individuals with AIED.
Medications
Did you know that some medications can impact your hearing health? Certain medications can have a surprising side effect – hearing loss. Medications like antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, and even some over-the-counter pain relievers can harm the delicate structures in the inner ear.
If you’re taking any medications, talk to your doctor about potential side effects! If you notice any changes in your hearing, your provider can recommend alternatives or closely monitor your hearing health.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and fluctuating hearing loss. Although it’s a rare condition, it can cause significant hearing loss. While there’s no cure for Meniere’s Disease, treatment options such as dietary changes, medication, and vestibular rehabilitation can help manage symptoms and preserve hearing.
Genetics and Hereditary Factors
Hearing loss can sometimes be traced back to your family tree. Recent genetic research has uncovered a connection between hereditary factors and hearing health. Some individuals carry gene mutations that predispose them to hearing loss.
These genetic factors can be responsible for congenital hearing loss or contribute to age-related hearing loss later in life. Understanding your family history and genetic predispositions can help you take proactive steps to protect your hearing and seek early treatment if needed.
Cardiovascular Health
Your heart health can influence your hearing more than you might think. There’s a link between cardiovascular conditions (like hypertension and atherosclerosis) and hearing loss. Poor circulation can affect the blood supply to the delicate structures of the inner ear. When these cells don’t get enough oxygen, you can experience hearing loss. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can support both your cardiovascular health and your hearing.
Injury
Head injuries, whether from accidents or sports-related activities, can have lasting consequences. Recent research highlights the connection between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and damage to the auditory system. Even seemingly minor head injuries can damage the delicate structures responsible for hearing. If you’ve had any head injuries, it’s important to bring it up with your doctor or book a hearing test. Early intervention can make a significant difference, and help you maintain your hearing.
Occupational Hazards
We all know about the dangers of exposure to loud noises in the workplace. However, it’s not just loud noises that can damage your hearing at work. Some lesser-known occupational hazards include chemicals and toxins that might be at your workplace. For example, workers in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction might work with harmful substances that can damage hearing over time.
Proper protective measures and regular hearing screenings are essential for those in high-risk professions. We recommend getting a hearing test every one to two years if you’re exposed to occupational hearing hazards.
Do You Have Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by a multitude of factors, some of which may seem quite strange or unexpected. Many Americans have age-related hearing loss or noise-induced hearing loss. But these other kinds of hearing loss also impact millions of people around the globe.
Staying informed about unusual causes of hearing loss can help you protect your hearing. If you’ve recently noticed any changes in your hearing or have concerns about your risk factors, book a hearing test! Together, we’ll find out more about your hearing health and explore strategies to protect your hearing. If you have hearing loss, we’ll recommend several treatment options and help you find the one that’s right for you.
Don’t take your hearing health for granted! Booking regular hearing tests can help you maintain your hearing health so you can continue enjoying the sounds of life to the fullest.