The doctor named the causes of hearing loss

Millions of people around the world are experiencing hearing loss. Sometimes the problem develops gradually, without having vivid symptoms, sometimes it happens abruptly. Larisa Vylegzhanina, a hearing specialist and otorhinolaryngologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia about the causes of hearing problems on March 6.

"One of the most common causes of hearing loss is aging. As it progresses, the auditory cells are damaged, which leads to a decrease in the level of perceived sounds. This form of hearing loss is called age-related sensorineural hearing loss. It occurs in most people over the age of 60," she said.

Another significant reason is noise damage. Noise over 80 decibels damages the inner ear over time and gradually impairs hearing. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels, for example, at concerts or when listening to loud music through headphones, can cause irreversible changes in the auditory organ, the doctor noted.

Infections are another common cause. Viral and bacterial diseases, such as otitis media, can cause inflammation in the ears, which in turn disrupts the normal functioning of the auditory receptors. Without timely treatment, infections can lead to long-term consequences, including complete hearing loss.

"Traumatic brain injuries can also have devastating effects on the auditory nerves. In such cases, hearing loss may be associated with damage to the structures of the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which requires immediate medical attention," the doctor explained.

In addition, hearing loss can be influenced by genetics. Some people are born with a predisposition to such disorders, so their hearing may deteriorate faster with age than others. Among the hereditary diseases that can cause gradual hearing loss, the doctor named otosclerosis.

"When visiting noisy places, use earplugs or special noise-canceling headphones, and limit the volume when listening to music or watching movies to prevent hearing damage. It is also important to maintain ear hygiene by avoiding excessive use of cotton swabs and other objects that can damage the ear canal. Periodic checkups with a doctor and audiometry are another important preventive measure," Vylegzhanina said.

On February 4, Alexandra Gershevskaya, a surdologist and otolaryngologist at the European Medical Center (EMC), told Izvestia about the causes of tinnitus. The medical name of this phenomenon is tinnitus. The causes may be a sulfur plug, otitis media, or a malfunction of the eustachian tube. In addition, tinnitus may indicate an acoustic injury as a result of exposure to loud sound.