Age, hereditary factors, noise exposure, ototoxic medications (including many prescription medications), illnesses, high fever to name a few.
Chances of hearing loss also increase with diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, etc so it is a good idea to maintain health for healthy hearing.
Hearing losses fall under the following main types:
- Conductive hearing loss (sometimes casued by ear infections, otosclerosis, mass or growth in the middle ear, detatchment of the middle ear ossicular chain--the 3 tiniest bones and others)
- Central hearing loss--a hearing loss caused by some form of difficulty interpreting sound in the brain
Although most hearing losses occur very slowly over time, if you notice a sudden change in your hearing, any dizziness, vertigo (where the room spins around you), you should see an ENT (ear/nose/throat) doctor immediately.
