Hearing Professionals Inc.
14201 Laurel Park Drive
109
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 604-3177
More Hearing Health Articles
Medical Causes Of Hearing Loss
Pinpointing a particular cause for an individual's decreased hearing ability is not usually possible. Hearing loss may occur as a result of the aging process, earwax buildup, viral or bacterial infections, heart conditions or stroke, head injuries, tumors, certain medications, genetics, or exposure to loud sounds. Typically it is a combination of factors that have permanently damaged the hearing organ over time.
In recent history, hearing loss has been associated with major health conditions experienced across generations. In many cases, a chronic condition could result in an increased risk of hearing loss.
For example, your auditory system is like any other organ in your body It needs proper, healthy blood flow and sugar levels. If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes or kidney disease, you're more likely to develop hearing loss. Inadequate blood supply and trauma to the inner ear blood vessels caused by heart disease can contribute to hearing loss. A stroke is a vascular trauma in the brain affecting the nervous system, motor and thought processes. Strokes can decrease hearing and balance on the affected side of the brain. High blood sugar from diabetes causes the tiny blood vessels in the inner ear to break, disrupting sound reception. Thirty-percent of adults with diabetes will experience hearing loss.
Over the last several years, research has shown a correlation between hearing loss and memory loss, including dementia and Alzheimer's. Not only do a higher percentage of those with memory loss have hearing loss, but people with hearing loss have up to five times higher risk of developing dementia than those with no hearing loss. Declining hearing capabilities and memory loss have been frequently confused as they share similar symptoms.
Then, there are ototoxic treatments, which are medications that harm the inner ear. In this case, a chronic or debilitating disease's treatment could cause hearing loss. These types of ototoxic treatments include chemotherapy, radiation and prolonged exposure to intravenous antibiotics. Hearing loss caused by ototoxicity is cumulative and permanent.
Though it may seem unrelated, a hearing loss increases your risk for falling. Even a mild hearing loss makes you nearly three times more likely to fall. Every additional 10-decibels of hearing loss increases the chances of falling. It is important to note that people who can't hear well might not have the best awareness of their overall environment, making tripping and falling more likely.
Health fair season is right around the corner and there are many beneficial screenings available why not take advantage. The next time you see hearing screenings offered at a health fair or in your community, consider participating.
It's never too late (and you're never too old) to get a baseline screening. Then, with routine monitoring, you would know if there actually have been any changes in your hearing.
Other Articles You May Find of Interest...
- How to Find Safe and Budget-Friendly Solutions for Ear Wax
- 5 Simple Habits That Can Help Prevent Hearing Loss
- What Is a Cochlear Implant and Who Can Benefit from It?
- The Importance of Early Detection: What to Expect From a Hearing Test
- The Unexpected Advantages of Modern Hearing Aids and Hearing Evaluations
- Addressing Tinnitus With Effective Solutions You Might Not Know About
- Keeping Maryland Residents Connected