What Are the Causes of Hearing Loss?

By M. Newman
What causes hearing problems in adults? Why is it that we can go a whole lifetime without noticing any hearing problems but then suddenly develop major hearing loss as we get older? Is it age related or due to some form of trauma? Let's consider some of the most common causes of hearing problems.
Sometimes such a loss is not brought upon any external factors, but simply results from a disease called otosclerosis. This disease involves the middle ear capsule and affects the movement of "stapes" inside the ear. Another common disease is called Meniere's disease, and this disease affects the membranous inner ear. Acoustic neuroma is a tumor that causes hearing loss, and this can form inside the eighth cranial nerve.
A condition called presbycusis is what we refer to as "old age" hearing loss. This condition is not a strictly defined disease, but does result in a degeneration of the cochlea, as well as other parts of the auditory system. You may be surprised to learn that an individual's hearing actually starts to degenerate after the age of 20. However, the most common age range in which symptoms become pronounced is 55-65.
Physical trauma, such as temporal bone fractures, eardrum punctures and sudden changes in air pressure can also cause hearing loss. These are classified as traumatic injuries. Prescription medications can also contribute to ear problems and hearing loss, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, salicylates and various chemotherapy drugs.
You also have to take into account the massive amounts of noise pollution we endure on a regular basis. For example, in a given day's time you will listen to dozens of car horns, a few jet planes flying over head, some awesome heavy metal songs on your iPod and headphone set, a few rock concerts a year, a lawn mower twice a month and a paper shredder every day. These are just some examples of loud noises that we take for granted. Listening to a lifetime of noise pollution does have an effect on our lives.
In the next several years, the "baby boomer" generation will be facing problems with hearing. As a person naturally ages, the risk of developing hearing problems drastically increases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that this generation makes up the largest segment of the American population. This is a generation that has contributed to the increase of noise pollution more than any previous generation. At the same time, this is a generation that is expected to live longer than any previous generation because of other breakthroughs in modern medicine. (Not to mention the "health kick" that so many Americans are exploring.)
It is safe to assume then that there will be an unprecedented need for hearing aids in the next two decades. Whether these "needs" will be addressed remains to be seen. Let it be known though, that a lack of hearing compromises the beauty and enjoyment of your life, particularly your Golden Years. Take action now so you can hear what all the fuss is about-hearing aids for the baby-booming generation.