The Risks to Your Hearing You Should Keep an Ear Out For

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Hearing loss is a much more common condition than many think, affecting as many as one in six people across all age groups, as well as 80% of people over the age of 70. However, as widespread as it might be, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s inevitable. In fact, much of the statistics mentioned are due to preventable risk factors. For that reason, we’re going to look at many of the main causes of hearing loss, preventable and otherwise, and what you can do to address them or seek the treatment that you might need.

Earwax Buildup

Not all types of hearing loss are permanent. In fact, one of the most common and easily treatable causes is the buildup of earwax. Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural part of our hearing health, designed to help trap dust, irritants, and bacteria, cleaning it out and stopping it from reaching deeper into the ear. However, some people produce more cerumen than others, and when it accumulates too much, it can block part or all of the ear, which stops sound waves from reaching the eardrum, leading to muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, and even discomfort. Trying to remove earwax yourself can be dangerous, as you risk pushing it even further into the ear, so arranging for a professional cleaning is typically the recommended approach.

Ear Infections

Just as earwax can cause a manual blockage of the ear, this can also happen as a result of ear infections. Middle-ear infections, also known as otitis media, are one of the most common causes, as fluid can build up behind the eardrum, which then interferes with how it’s able to process noise. Inner-ear infections can be even more serious and often present with symptoms like balance problems alongside hearing, so if you feel those two symptoms at the same time, it’s vital to get it treated. Most infections do resolve with medication and time. However, if hearing loss comes with sharp pain or fever, then it’s important to seek intervention ASAP, as it could be a sign that an infection has reached a more dangerous stage.

Age-Related Hearing Loss

The majority of hearing loss cases affect people over 65 years old. As we age, we’re more likely to experience age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, due to the gradual breakdown of the auditory hair cells in the inner ear, which can reduce our ability to detect and process certain sounds. Higher-frequency sounds and speech tend to be the ones that are affected first. The process can be very gradual, but many older people first notice it by having trouble following conversations, especially in noisier environments. The risk of hearing loss due to age is affected by a host of other factors, so it’s important to be mindful of that risk as you get older and to look for early intervention at the first sign of changes to your hearing.

Genetics

Although it’s not the case that you’re destined to inherit a parent’s or grandparent’s hearing problems, hereditary factors can play a pretty major role in determining your susceptibility to hearing loss. This is especially true for highlighting your risk of age-related hearing loss. Genetic predisposition plays a role alongside a host of other risk factors, but it can also be a more direct cause of congenital hearing impairments, especially in children. As such, it’s always worth keeping your family history in mind when talking to an audiologist, as it can help them be more aware of what to look for. Much like with age-related hearing loss, there isn’t much you can do to prevent this risk factor, so vigilance and early treatment are the most effective approaches.

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Injury And Trauma

Physical injuries can also significantly impact your hearing, especially when they affect the ear, the skull, or the brain. Sports trauma is a significant risk, especially in the summer, so it’s worth reading up on summer hearing protection tips to not only avoid excessive levels of noise when playing sports but to protect your ears from trauma, as well. Injuries can affect the eardrum and the ear canal, as well as tiny bones that are responsible for transmitting hearing, while a blow to the head can also affect the auditory nerve or the parts of the brain responsible for your hearing. Protecting the head is vital for any physical activity, as a result.

Excessive Levels Of Noise

One of the most common and highly preventable causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noises. Whether it’s from concerts, workplace machinery, garden power tools, or even prolonged use of headphones at high volumes, exposure to noises over 75 decibels comes with a risk of causing permanent hearing loss. Typically, the louder the noise and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk. These noises damage those hair cells in the inner ear that pick up and transmit sounds, and once they’re damaged, they can’t regenerate, like many of the other cells in the body. As such, it can lead to irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus, so using ear protection to avoid those excessive levels of noise can be crucial.

Medical Conditions

There are a host of medical conditions that might not necessarily seem directly related to the ear, but that can still affect it. For instance, diabetes can affect the small blood vessels and nerves that supply the auditory system, which can lead to hearing decline over time. Any conditions that affect circulation come with this risk, including cardiovascular disease and autoimmune conditions. Some medications, known as ototoxic drugs, can be a risk factor in and of themselves. As such, when you’re dealing with these illnesses or their treatments, it’s worth making a regular appointment to have your hearing checked, as well. Regular checkups and early detection support long-term ear health and well-being. Alongside medical guidance, some people also look into general hearing wellness support, including supplements like Quietum Plus, as part of a broader routine focused on maintaining auditory function.

Given how prevalent and varied the risk factors behind hearing loss are, it’s important to ensure that you’re being proactive about your hearing health, arranging for a hearing test if you haven’t done it yet.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.