Adults – What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can be caused in adults at any age. Common reasons for hearing loss include the following:

• Presbycusis (natural deterioration of hearing with age increase)
• Noise exposure
• Genetic causes
• Viruses
• Otosclerosis
• Acoustic neuroma (tumours)
• Chronin middle ear infections
• Miniere’s disease and other balance difficulties
• Unknown causes

What are the symptoms of hearing loss in adults?

Hearing loss can develop gradually, making it difficult to notice.

Here are some common signs and tips to identify potential hearing loss:

• Struggling to keep up with conversations, especially in noisy environments.
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak more slowly.
• Increasing the volume on the TV, radio, or phone higher than what others need.
• Complaints from family members about the volume being too loud.
• Sounds seem muffled, and speech becomes less clear.
• Difficulty understanding consonants.
• Avoiding social gatherings or feeling exhausted from trying to keep up with conversations.
• Feeling isolated or frustrated in group settings.
• Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears. Tinnitus can be a sign of hearing loss or other underlying conditions.