There are several causes of hearing deterioration or loss. Here are some of the most common.
Wax is produced naturally in the ear canal to help keep it clean and to protect the eardrum. When some people produce more wax than others, it can build up to block the ear canal and reduce hearing.
In most cases, the wax is carefully removed by a doctor. If you try to remove the wax from your ears yourself, you risk pushing it further into your ear or damaging the eardrum and causing permanent damage.
In a child, ear infections such as clue ear can seriously affect progress at school. But ear infections can be satisfactorily treated. If you or your child has a painful or discharging ear, or you suspect your child has glue ear, see your doctor immediately.
Several drugs can damage your hearing. If you are taking medicine and you think your hearing is being affected, tell your doctor.
As we age, our hearing ages too, and almost everyone will experience the clarity of our hearing slowly reduce. High pitched sounds are always the first to become difficult to hear.
Never put any foreign objects in or near your ear canal. A perforated or ruptured eardrum will cause some hearing loss. The eardrum may heal itself naturally or be repaired with surgery. But if you have a perforated eardrum, wear earplugs when swimming to stop water entering your ear.
If you received heard injuries in an accident your hearing could be damaged. Loud blasts can rupture or perforate the eardrums. So can a fall in a high speed water sport, like water skiing.
Some children are born deaf and there are many reasons why this occurs. Sometimes, if a mother had rubella (German measles) during the third month of her pregnancy, there is a risk that the baby will be born deaf. Also, if a birth is difficult and the baby doesn’t get enough oxygen, deafness can also occur. Other causes of deafness at birth can be advised by a doctor or specialist.
In some cases, Meningitis is known to cause hearing impairment or deafness.
Being exposed to loud noise for a short time will cause temporary hearing loss. But very loud, long or repeated exposure will cause permanent hearing loss. The louder the noise, the shorter the time before your hearing is damaged.