What Causes Hearing Loss? Common Types, Causes & Testing Tips

Hearing loss is often a gradual process. You might not notice it immediately, but over time, conversations can become difficult to follow, voices may seem softer, and background noise can become overwhelming. Hearing loss affects people of all ages and is more common than many realize.

Whether you’re noticing changes in your own hearing or are concerned about someone close to you, recognizing the early signs of hearing loss can help you take action with confidence. North Star Hearing is committed to helping individuals and families better understand their hearing health through personalized care, accessible education, and compassionate support.

Understanding What Causes Hearing Loss

Not all hearing loss is the same. It can vary depending on where the damage occurs in the ear and how it affects your ability to process sound. Identifying the type of hearing loss is essential to determining the right treatment plan.

Mixed Hearing Loss: Mixed hearing loss is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It involves both inner ear nerve damage and blockages in the outer or middle ear. Common causes include chronic ear infections, head injuries, and age-related changes. Treatment plans may involve a mix of medical intervention and hearing technology depending on the underlying issues.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type. It occurs when the inner ear or the auditory nerve is damaged. Causes include aging, prolonged noise exposure, head trauma, and health conditions like Ménière’s disease, diabetes, or viral infections. While this form of hearing loss is usually permanent, many individuals benefit significantly from hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices.

Conductive Hearing Loss: Conductive hearing loss happens when sound is blocked or doesn’t pass effectively through the outer or middle ear. Common causes include earwax buildup, fluid from ear infections, perforated eardrums, or issues with the ear bones. This type of hearing loss is often temporary and may be corrected with medication, minor procedures, or in some cases, surgery. With proper care, full or improved hearing is often restored.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is often caused by a combination of factors. Ageing is one of the most common causes, as the inner ear naturally becomes less responsive over time, making it harder to hear certain sounds, especially higher frequencies. Long-term exposure to loud noise, whether from work, music, or everyday environments, can also wear down the ear’s ability to process sound.

Other causes include chronic ear infections, a buildup of earwax, and head injuries, which can all interfere with how sound travels through the ear. Illnesses such as measles, meningitis, and Ménière’s disease may also affect hearing.

Inherited conditions, including otosclerosis (which limits the movement of the small bones in the middle ear) and auditory neuropathy (where the inner ear detects sound, but the signal does not reach the brain properly), can also lead to hearing loss. Understanding these causes can help you take steps to protect your hearing and seek care early, before symptoms progress.

When Should You Get a Hearing Test?

Many people delay booking a hearing test because the early signs are often subtle and easy to overlook. If you find yourself increasing the volume on the TV, asking others to repeat themselves, or having trouble following conversations in noisy environments, it may be time to schedule a hearing test.

Other signs include ringing in the ears, difficulty hearing on the phone, or the sense that people are mumbling. Even without noticeable symptoms, regular hearing checks are recommended after age 60, or earlier if you are frequently exposed to loud noise. A simple and comfortable hearing assessment can offer peace of mind and help you take proactive steps to support your long-term hearing health.

Hearing Loss Isn’t the End of the Story: Take the First Step Toward Better Hearing

Noticing changes in your hearing can raise questions, but it is also an opportunity to take control of your health. With the right support and solutions, you can continue to enjoy conversations, music, laughter, and life’s everyday sounds. Book a hearing test to be a proactive against hearing loss. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us today. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.