5 Surprising Causes of Hearing Loss

Did you know that hearing loss is the world’s third most common health problem? It’s a problem that affects millions of people, yet many don’t even know they have it. This blog post will discuss five surprising causes of hearing loss. If you are affected by any of these issues, it is essential to get your hearing tested by a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) as soon as possible!

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are two common causes of hearing loss that you may not have considered. When you’re stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, releasing a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can cause inflammation throughout your body, including in your middle ear.

That inflammation can lead to temporary or even permanent hearing loss. In addition, stress puts your body in flight or fight mode, leading to high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in your ear, causing hearing loss.

Anxiety can also cause problems with your hearing. People who experience anxiety disorders often experience what’s known as misophonia, which is an extreme dislike of certain sounds. Misophonia can make everyday noises incredibly bothersome and even painful, leading to avoidance behaviours like staying inside to avoid triggering sounds. Over time, this isolation can worsen anxiety and increase the risk of hearing loss.

If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and protect your hearing.

Smoking and Vaping

Smoking and vaping are not only bad for your lungs, but they’re also bad for your hearing. The addictive chemical nicotine restricts blood flow to all parts of your body, including your ears. This can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. If you smoke, quit. It’s never too late to improve your hearing health. In addition, the mixture of flavouring used in e-cigarettes contains a substance called propylene glycol. This has been known to cause irritation and inflammation of the lining of the ear canal.

Secondhand smoke is also harmful to your hearing. If you live or work with someone who smokes, ask them to smoke outside. If they refuse, try to create some distance between you and the smoker. Opening a window may also help reduce the amount of secondhand smoke in the air.

Illness and Medications

Illness like meningitis or mumps can also cause hearing loss. In addition, certain medications like antibiotics and cancer drugs can have hearing loss as a side effect. If you think your medicine is causing hearing loss, talk to your healthcare practitioner about switching to a different drug. Many different medications can cause hearing loss as a side effect.

These include some antibiotics, cancer medications, diuretics and even aspirin. If you are taking any medication, ask your healthcare practitioner if hearing loss is a possible side effect. Ototoxic medications can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent.

Insomnia and Sleep Deprivation Can Cause Hearing Loss

Lack of sleep can lead to several health problems, including hearing loss. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who slept for less than six hours a night were more likely to experience hearing loss than those who slept for eight hours or more.

If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body isn’t able to repair itself as effectively, and this can lead to damage to your auditory system. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, talk to your HIS about ways to improve your sleep habits.

Heredity

Hearing loss can also be passed down from generation to generation. However, heredity is the most common cause of hearing loss.

There are several types of hereditary hearing loss, but the most common is sensorineural hearing loss. This hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It can be caused by a mutation in a gene passed down from generation to generation.

If you have a family history of hearing loss, you may be more likely to experience hearing loss yourself. If you have concerns about your hearing, you must talk to a hearing instrument specialist. They can help you determine if you are at risk for hereditary hearing loss and offer ways to protect your hearing.

Hearing loss is a common problem that can significantly impact your life. There are many different causes of hearing loss, some of which may surprise you. If you think you might be experiencing hearing loss, you must see a hearing instrument specialist. They can help you determine the cause of your hearing loss and offer ways to treat it; for more information on hearing loss, contact Beltone Hearing Center – Lethbridge on 403-942-4327.