The causes and effects of hearing loss are due to interruptions or interference as sound passes through three parts of the ear; outer, middle and inner. There are several causes for loss of hearing one is a natural process of aging, while others may be due to a chosen lifestyles. Exposure to loud noises, heredity and health conditions prone to ear infections. For many it can be difficult, but learning to cope with the loss of hearing can be reassuring. Causes

Damages to the inner ear are the prime causes for hearing loss. The signals sent to the brain from the cochlea, the inner ear’s snail shape mechanism muffles sound when nerve cells are damaged. Over time the wear and tear of the nerve cells prevent the transmission of sound to the brain.

Health conditions; building up ear wax can block the sound waves temporarily causing hearing loss, until the wax is removed. Infections, abnormal growths or ear tumors may also affect the functions of outer and middle ears. Ruptured eardrums that have been punctured cause an opening in the eardrum resulting in loss of hearing. The cochlea is vulnerable and can be damaged from ailments, which produce high fevers. Medications used as antibiotics or high doses of pain relievers may also contribute to the loss of hearing.

Effects

Today’s technologies offer a variety of solutions for those with hearing loss from hearing aids to medical procedures that can slow the hearing loss. Effects range from not being able to hear low pitch sounds, the inner ear helps to maintain our balance, loss or problems may affect that balance causing dizziness. Ear infections with the collection of fluid can cause permanent damage to hearing levels. Depending on the health condition the hearing may return once the infection has been healed.