9 Surprising Causes of Hearing Loss

by | Aug 17, 2022 | Hearing Loss, Patient Resources

Here are nine surprising causes of hearing loss that you might not have expected.

Hearing loss is something a lot of people will experience in varying degrees at some point in their lives. It is important to make sure you understand the array of factors that can cause hearing loss, as well as how these might impact you as an individual. Being able to deal with hearing loss effectively can benefit your comfort level when communicating and your quality of life.

So, here are nine surprising causes of hearing loss that you might not have expected, and how you can deal with each.

1. Stress

Stress is something that has become customary in our day-to-day lives, and there are so many different kinds of environments that can cause it to worsen. Stress has been linked to a number of different health conditions – including hearing loss – making it crucial you learn how to properly manage it. Reducing stress, lowering caffeine intake and spending time on an activity you enjoy are some of the best ways you can take care of your mental health and your hearing.

2. Too Much Exercise

Moderate exercise is recommended, but overdoing it – especially in a noisy environment like a gym – is something that can actually contribute to hearing loss in a big way. It can lead to issues like tinnitus, as well as potentially damaging the membranes in the ears and this is why you need to make sure you aren’t overdoing it.

3. Medication

There are certain forms of medication that can also lead to you experiencing things like hearing loss, and this is something that you need to make sure you talk to your doctor about. Some medications are pertinent to your health and truly needed, so you may be able to come up with an alternate solution by reaching out to your doctor about your prescriptions and hearing loss.

4. Lack of Sleep

Getting plenty of rest can have a transformative effect on your life and health, and this is something that will certainly impact your risk of developing hearing loss. Bad sleeping habits create a number of issues for your body and can have a massive impact on your hearing. A good night’s rest is critical to allowing your body’s systems to recharge and repair!

5. Smoking

Believe it or not, smoking can irritate the middle of the ear, so smokers are more likely to experience things hearing issues. Talk with your family care provider to determine the best way you can kick this habit – for the health of your body and your hearing!

6. Diet

You might not have thought about it, but your diet can actually have a major impact on your ear health, and a poor diet can contribute to hearing loss difficulties. Consuming a lot of fat and sugar, as well as a lack of vitamin B12, can lead to issues with blood flow to the ears. Observing a healthy diet can go a long way toward helping you combat this and might help you stave off diet-related hearing issues.

7. Allergic Reactions

Allergies can often lead to temporary hearing loss issues, as they can contribute to a build-up of fluid in the ears and this is something that plays a big role in hearing loss. Fortunately, this is only going to be a temporary problem, and there are a lot of factors that are going to help you when you’re trying to get this right as much as possible. However, this is something that can become problematic if left untreated, so it is generally advisable to make sure you treat these allergies as much as you can.

8. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the key things that can lead to hearing loss problems, which is why doing as much as you can to lower your blood pressure is essential. Make sure you get your blood pressure levels checked regularly, and this can help you when it comes trying to lower your blood pressure and ensure that you keep on top of your hearing loss issues.

9. COVID-19

COVID-19 can actually contribute to hearing loss issues as it has been linked to damaging the body’s auditory system. Earaches, ear infections and hearing loss problems are more common with the Delta variant, and this is something you should discuss with your health professional.
When it comes to hearing loss, this condition doesn’t discriminate, and it can easily become a problem if you partake in unhealthy habits. Treating hearing loss is crucial to your wellbeing.

Ensure you are hearing soundly and leading a health auditory life by giving the team at Allison Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, P.C. a call at Houston, 713-827-1767.

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Jana Emola-Austin, Au.D.

Raised in Bryan, Texas, Jana completed her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University before attending the University of North Texas with an ambition to earn her master’s degree in speech pathology. However, a required audiology class soon set her on a new career path. She became enthralled with the subject and says audiology resonated with her because it involved everything she enjoys – helping people to improve their lives and relationships with others and using technology to make positive impacts. Following this revelation, Jana went on to graduate with her Doctor of Audiology degree. After many years of assisting patients in the clinic on a daily basis, Jana’s main responsibilities at Allison Audiology have shifted to a management role. She now works behind the scenes focusing on administrative, management, and marketing responsibilities.