Causes of Hearing Loss

There are many different reasons why you may have a hearing loss

Your ears are made up of three sections: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Each section contains many different parts which all work together to allow you to hear. Natural hearing is dependent on all of these parts working together, and a problem with any of them can cause a hearing loss.

Many different things, like exposure to too much noise, certain medications, infections, family history, and specific medical conditions can lead to hearing loss.^1,2

In addition, the normal wear and tear on parts of your inner ear as you get older is a common cause of hearing loss and is something that is experienced by many other people. This age-related hearing loss is often progressive, meaning it can get worse over time. Progressive hearing loss can usually be helped at first with hearing aids, but as your hearing worsens, your hearing aids may not be enough. The good news is that there are options for people whose hearing loss has progressed beyond the help hearing aids can provide. An advanced hearing solution, such as a cochlear implant or direct bone conduction system, can help people when hearing aids are no longer enough.

If you think you may have a hearing loss or you have hearing aids but feel that you are not receiving enough benefit, take our Hearing Quiz to find out what type of treatment may be best for you.

Did you know?

Hearing loss due to noise is the second most common job-related illness/injury.³

When is a noise too loud?

You’re wearing headphones and listening to music that someone standing next to you can hear

You’re in an area where you can’t hear someone speaking a few feet away