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Causes of Hearing Loss

In the last few decades, researchers have made tremendous advancements in hearing technology, even for the most profoundly deaf. In most cases, hearing loss is now a treatable condition, providing new opportunities for people, and their families, touched by a hearing loss diagnosis. In this article we look at the main causes of hearing loss.

The condition is probably more common than you might think. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the most prevalent disabilities for newborn babies, as well as aging baby boomers. Approximately one of every 1000 infants and one in three people over 60 have hearing loss. It can occur before birth or over a lifetime, and affect only one ear, or both.

To understand what makes hearing loss such a common condition, let’s look at how the ear works and see what causes hearing loss.

The ear is a pretty amazing bit of Mother Nature’s engineering. It’s made up of three parts: The outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. All three parts work together to turn sound into something the brain can translate.

Sound is made up of vibrations in the air. The ear captures these sound vibrations, and then converts them into electrical signals that are received, interpreted, and understood by the brain. Hearing loss occurs when any of the three parts of the ear is damaged, or prevented from functioning properly. Hearing loss is grouped into two categories: congenital (hearing loss that’s present at birth) or acquired (hearing loss that happens after birth).

Causes of Hearing Loss

Congenital Hearing Loss Causes Acquired Hearing Loss Causes
Drug or alcohol abuse during pregnancy Aging process
Genetic factors Chickenpox
Gestational diabetes Ear infections
Preeclampsia Encephalitis
Prematurity Flu
Rh incompatibility complication Head injury
  Measles
  Meningitis
  Mumps
  Noise exposure
  Ototoxicity (damage caused by medications)

 

Hearing Clinics Covering Slough, Farnham Common, Marlow and Maidenhead

If you live in the Slough, Farnham Common, Marlow or Maidenhead areas, please talk to us if you think you may have a hearing loss. We will arrange a confidential appointment where we will test your hearing and advise the most suitable course of action.

At Help in Hearing we carry out hearing tests in a friendly and comfortable environment using the latest testing equipment. Hearing tests require concentration but are not painful. We will discuss your lifestyle and medical history related to your ears and hearing in depth.

Contact us if you would like to arrange an appointment.

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