Age-Related Hearing Loss Causes & Risks

Causes

There are several causes of presbycusis including:

• Gradual degeneration of the eardrum or delicate structures within the inner ear (hair cells) due to age
• Changes in the hearing nerve pathways in the ear leading to the brain
• Repeated exposure to loud sounds, music, or equipment which can damage the fragile hair cells within the inner ear involved in hearing
• Hereditary or genetic influences

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

The following factors increase your chances of developing presbycusis:

• Family history of gradual hearing loss with advancing age
• Use of certain medications, including aspirin, some antibiotics, and cancer medications
• Certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure , diabetes , and other circulatory problems