Causes of Hearing Loss in Adults in Monterey & Salinas

Understanding Hearing Loss with Your Local Audiologist

It is not unusual for hearing to get weaker as you age. It is important to have a medical professional examine your ears and inform you on what steps can be taken to fix it or prevent further degrading. We have compiled a brief rundown of the common causes of hearing problems in adults. Please note that any irregularities in your hearing should be examined by a hearing specialist in our Salinas or Monterey offices.

Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis) Explained

This type of hearing loss is a result of the aging process. It results in a degeneration of the inner ear and tends to be progressive in nature. It is usually not noticed until later in life when high-frequency hearing loss results in a decreased ability to understand speech.

Protect Your Ears: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Prolonged exposure to harmful levels of noise can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear resulting in irreversible hearing loss. It usually develops gradually over time and is not noticed until the high frequency hearing loss results in a decreased ability to understand speech. Sometimes, a single exposure to very high levels of sounds or impulse noises can cause acoustic trauma to the cochlea and result in hearing loss due to the damage sustained in the inner ear.

Understanding Trauma-Induced Hearing Loss

Examples of trauma that can result in permanent or temporary hearing loss include temporal bone fractures and perforations of the ear drum from foreign objects, infection or sudden changes in air pressure (barotraumas).

Medications and Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know

Some medicines are ototoxic and can cause damage to the auditory system resulting in permanent hearing loss. Aminoglycoside antibiotics (streptomycin, neomycin, gentamycin), salicylates (aspirin) in large quantities, loop diuretics (lasix, ethacrynic acid) and drugs used in chemotherapy regimens (cisplatin, carboplatin) are all drugs which are known to be ototoxic and can cause hearing loss.

Otosclerosis: A Common Cause of Hearing Impairment

This is a disease process that reduces the ability of the stapes (one of the three tiny bones in the middle ear) to move efficiently. Over time, this process results in a progressive conductive hearing loss that can often be treated with surgery.

Meniere's Disease and Its Impact on Hearing

This disease affects the inner ear and can be associated with hearing loss, dizziness (vertigo) and ringing in the ear (tinnitus).

Acoustic Neuroma: A Treatable Cause of Hearing Loss

This is a benign growth on the acoustic nerve that can cause progressive sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. It can be accompanied by a feeling of aural fullness and is often detected at an early stage.

Seek Prompt Hearing Loss Treatment in Salinas

Hearing problems only get worse the longer you take to treat them. Many people do not take reduced hearing seriously and end up having severe hearing loss when they enter old age. An audiologist can prevent damage to your ear from getting out of hand, and keep your ears functioning well into your twilight years.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've noticed a ringing in my ears lately. Is that related to hearing loss?

Yes, ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is often associated with hearing loss. While tinnitus itself isn't hearing loss, it's a common symptom of underlying auditory system issues. It can be a sign of noise-induced hearing damage, age-related hearing loss, or other medical conditions. If you're experiencing persistent tinnitus, it's important to consult an audiologist for a hearing evaluation.

My family has a history of hearing loss. Am I more likely to develop it?

Yes, a family history of hearing loss can increase your risk of developing the condition. Genetic factors play a role in some cases of hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss. If you have a family history, it's important to be proactive about your hearing health and schedule regular hearing evaluations.

How often should I get my hearing checked?

The frequency of hearing evaluations depends on your age, risk factors, and overall health. It's generally recommended that adults get a baseline hearing test and then regular checkups, especially after the age of 50. If you have any concerns about your hearing, schedule an evaluation sooner. It is also important to get your hearing checked if you work in a loud environment.

Contact Us Today

Hearing loss is a common condition affecting millions of adults across the country, including those in Monterey and Salinas. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, communication struggles, and even cognitive decline. Fortunately, with the right professional care, you can regain your ability to hear clearly and reconnect with the world around you. Central Coast Audiology, Inc. offers comprehensive audiology services to diagnose, treat, and manage adult hearing loss.

Don't let hearing loss hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Whether you've noticed a subtle change in your hearing or you've been struggling for years, Central Coast Audiology, Inc. is here to help. Our expertise, advanced technology, and patient-centered approach ensure you receive the highest standard of care. Take the first step toward clearer communication and renewed connections. Contact us today for a consultation and discover how a professional hearing evaluation and a customized solution can transform your daily life.