Aging
A decline in hearing acuity is a normal part of the aging process. By the age of 50, most people will have some degree of hearing. The rate of hearing loss is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, exposure to noise, and overall health.
Noise Exposure
Prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noises can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Exposure to loud occupational noise, noisy recreational activities, and improper use of personal audio devices are the most common contributors to this type of hearing loss. Approximately 24% of adults aged 20 to 69 have signs and symptoms indicative of noise-induced hearing loss in one or both ears.
Diabetes
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels, whether high or low, can damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear leading to hearing loss. Diabetics are twice as likely to have hearing loss than non-diabetics of the same age. Prediabetics have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss compared to individuals with normal blood sugar levels.
Hypertension
High pressure in the blood vessels that supply the ear can cause temporary hearing loss. Repeated cases of hypertension accelerate the degeneration of your hair cells, making the temporary hearing loss permanent.
High Cholesterol
Buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels can disrupt blood flow to the ears. Poor blood flow will reduce oxygen and nutrient supply to the hair cells causing damage and hearing loss. In a 2014 study, sudden sensorineural hearing loss was more likely to occur in patients with elevated blood lipids.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
The kidneys and cochlea have physiological, ultrastructural, and antigenic similarities. As a result, damage to one is often associated with damage to the other. Among patients with moderate CKD, 54.4% exhibit measurable hearing loss, whereas less than 30% of individuals without CKD experience similar hearing issues.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea decreases blood flow to the ears, which can lead to permanent damage to the hair cells. Patients with sleep apnea are 21% more likely to have hearing loss.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
CVD can impair blood flow to the ear, potentially leading to damage in various components of the auditory system and hearing loss.
Medication
Numerous chemotherapies, radiation therapies, certain antibiotics (like aminoglycosides), and high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin) are ototoxic, meaning they can harm the structures and cells in the ears, potentially leading to tinnitus and hearing loss.
Smoking/Vaping
Smoking is known to cause oxidative stress and damage to blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the cochlea. This damage can reduce blood flow to the inner ear, potentially leading to hearing loss. Smokers have a higher likelihood of developing age-related hearing loss than non-smokers, with the risk increasing based on how long and how heavily they smoke.