• Published on: Sep 08, 2021
  • 6 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Causes Hearing Loss And How Can It Be Prevented And Treated?

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What causes hearing loss and how can it be prevented and treated?

Hearing loss is an umbrella term for experiences of increasing difficulty in perceiving sound. Difficulties with hearing may be the result of heredity, aging, or exposure to loud noise. Preventing it can involve anything from wearing protective ear-wear such as earplugs and/or tight-fitting earmuffs; to limiting exposure to loud environments; avoiding smoking; and avoiding excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine drinks.

One of the most common causes for hearing loss is loud noise. Loud noises, such as noises caused by heavy machinery, can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss with prolonged exposure. Ear protection, like earmuffs and ear plugs, are also necessary in noisy environments to stave off hearing impairment.

Hearing loss can occur gradually due to the cumulative effects of years spent in a noisy environment with no adequate auditory protection. Hearing-loss prevention tips include wearing earplugs while operating noisy equipment or attending concerts; limiting situations where airborne noise levels exceed 85 decibels (dB) on an average basis for eight hours per day; inserting foam sound couplers on headphones at louder than 60 dB levels; visiting an audiologist if one feels the loss in hearing.

Place objects in front of the ear when talking on a cell phone. Take time out of day for fresh air away from noise pollution (example - busy street). Avoid exposure to loud sounds like rock concerts and machinery for long periods of time. Move away from major sources of sound like airports, trains, etc. Use earplugs or purchase ones that can be custom-made under supervision by an audiologist if suffering more than mild annoyance after exposure to moderately loud noise.

Hearing loss is caused by aging, illnesses, or injuries that can damage the structures of the ear.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, minimizing exposure to loud noises and following treatment recommendations may reduce your risk for hearing loss. You should consult with your health care provider or hearing specialists if you experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness or balance issues.

Hearing specialists like audiologists use devices like hearing aids to make sounds louder and clearer for those who are not able to hear well. They also provide helpful information on maintaining good listening habits for optimal hearing development during early childhood. Consultation with your family physician is important if you have external ear infection symptoms such as drainage and itching.

Certain medications can make hearing worse. Examples include some antibiotics, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and certain over-the-counter cold remedies. Cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss are often related to viral or bacterial infections that affect the lining of the ear canal or eardrum. The most common viruses linked with this are varicella zoster virus (virus that causes chicken pox), influenza A virus, group A streptococci bacteria (causes strep throat) and coxsackievirus A16. The middle ear must have air pressure greater than outer pressure for sounds to be heard without pain or discomfort.

The incidence of hearing loss increases with age, so one solid option for prevention would be abstaining from smoking. Smoking causes the narrowing of arteries to the ears, decreases blood flow to the ossicles, and damages hair cells in the cochlea - all issues contributing to hearing loss. But good "ears" are not just something you were simply born with; consistent use of ear protection while engaged in loud activities (think concerts or lawnmowing) can minimize the damage that might occur over time otherwise. And since it's never too late to start wearing earplugs, there's no need for excuses!

It is not known what the exact cause of hearing loss is, but many experts agree that a major risk factor for hearing loss is old age. Other potential causes may be genetics, medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, chronic ear infections from childhood, extreme noise from sports or music playing loud without protection.

The leading cause of hearing loss is things like loud noise or damage to the ear. However, recent studies have shown there are other factors that should be considered in healthy adults over the age of 40, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Diseases like hypertension can lead to hearing loss by means of two mechanisms: 1) vascular changes (caused by the pathologic processes that occur in tissues when they receive inadequate oxygenation) 2), increases in blood flow to an area (which increases temperature and pressure). If you're worried about your hearing – talk with a physician – it is never too late!

There are many things that can cause hearing loss and many ways to prevent it.  Some of the most common causes of hearing loss include exposure sound levels above 85 dB, untreated ear infections, tonsillitis or adenoids in kids, perforated eardrums from flying or diving underwater with a mask on (seal), and staying next to big speakers like those at concerts without protection like foam earplugs. Large age-related changes in the inner ear that interfere with how we sense balance and hear sounds may play a role too. One study found that people with normal hearing but who were older than 75 still had problems sensing changes in pitch and intensity level when they walked around their homes after being blindfolded.

Deafness is usually caused by either injury to the hearing nerve or by an "inner ear disorder."

Inner ear disorders are often caused when people use cotton buds, metal objects, even toothpicks, too aggressively for cleaning inside their ears. The problem is that all these instruments cause damage to delicate structures before they clean them.  A better option would be a device that incorporates a nozzle with a soft-tip applicator and gently sweeps out the wax from the ear canal with minimal pressure on fragile structures.  It is not uncommon for people to experience age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) as they continue to grow older, but it can also occur during the perinatal period. Hearing loss may be due to genetic factors or occurrences that cause tinnitus or significant trauma to the head.

There are many things people can do at home, such as avoiding loud noises and getting familiar with their speech patterns so they'll know when it's time for a visit with their audiologist so they can be fitted with correctly-sized hearing aids.

A hearing loss can be treated, in some cases. Treatments for hearing loss usually involve amplification (hearing aids) or surgery (cochlear implants). Some treatments are temporary, like wax removal or injection of medicine into the ear canal, while others are permanent. If you're not satisfied with the results of your treatment plan, you may want to consult with another healthcare provider who specializes in treating hearing impairments.

It is treatable when it's not too advanced, but when hearing loss advances to the point of no return, there are still ways to improve the lives of those who are affected.

Hearing aids can make a dramatic difference in the quality of life for people with hearing loss.

Noise-canceling headphones can help diminish background noise in public spaces and reduce stress in loud environments like restaurants or airplanes - whether you have 20/20 hearing or not! Listening device for her makes a world a difference! These devices communicate important information that would otherwise go unheard due to noise or distance from speakers. So grab your listening device for her and find out how it could

Medical treatments for hearing loss include things like Ginkgo Biloba. There are surgical procedures that also help people to hear better. In addition, there are other drugs that may be prescribed as well as different devices designed to improve the usability of the iPhone or other electronic devices for those whose hearing has been reduced from birth or from an accident.

Hearing loss can be treated when it is sufficient to make speech inaudible. Individuals with moderate hearing loss generally have difficulty filtering out noise, understanding speech in noisy environments, and following difficult conversations. Fortunately, there are various treatments available if the hearing loss is substantial enough to warrant their use.

Treatments for modern-day significant or profound deafness include cochlear implants, external microphones paired with amplifiers, sound field systems (such as Combi 6), bone anchored devices, special receivers for radio telephones and navigational headphones

Hearing loss is often treated through noise protection, rehabilitative training, medication or surgery. Noise protection reduces the intensity of high-frequency sounds reaching your ear by decreasing the environmental sound pressure level (SPL) on your ear drum. Rehabilitative training teaches you how to "hear" vibrations in different regions of your body, like your tooth bones or hand muscles, to make up for some of the functions that are impaired by hearing loss. Medication includes medications like local anesthetics and steroid injections while surgery can be done to insert devices like cochlear implants (which help transmit sounds from the environment to the brain).

Unfortunately, hearing loss is one of those medical conditions that can take many forms and cannot be treated the same way for every person (since people can lose their hearing due to different causes). But for some types of hearing loss, the cause is benign enough, or your condition isn't too severe, that it can be treated with surgery. This will unfortunately not help in cases where an individual's nerve cells are completely severed (sensory hair cell damage), since this type of damage does not typically regenerate on its own.

It's important to consult with an appropriate medical provider for advice on overcoming hearing loss or any other issue that may cause difficulties in communication. Some treatable causes of intermittent loss include allergies follicle infections (acute otitis media), and easy-to-treat skin conditions like eczema (and its subtypes atopic dermatitis). If the disease is chronic or it's repeatedly impacting one ear, then diabetes or hypothyroidism are also possible culprits.

Yes, hearing loss can be treated with the use of both medical and non-medical treatments. One common treatment for moderate to severe hearing loss is hearing aids. A new example of an advanced medical treatment specifically designed to treat deafness caused by myelin lipoproteinosis (ML) is called vorinostat or Zolinza. This drug was designed specifically to work in combination with steroids which are usually used in children who develop myelin-related deafness at one year of age or younger.

Hearing aids, less noisy surroundings, better sleep patterns, and sound stimulation therapy can all help with hearing loss. Hearing aids are expensive but worth the investment if you really wish to improve your quality of life by living in a louder world. If you suffer from hearing loss, it is crucial that you speak with your healthcare provider about whether or not there are available options for treatment. Your provider may recommend lifestyle changes to stabilize the issue or provide advice on how to cope with your condition outside of traditional treatments.

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caffeine

Health Problems Linked to Excessive Caffeine Intake: When Too Much Becomes Harmful

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world. Found in coffee, tea, energy drinks and many soft drinks, it is often used to improve alertness and combat fatigue. While moderate caffeine consumption can be safe for most people, understanding the health problems linked to excessive caffeine intake is important, especially as daily consumption levels continue to rise in India.

Urban lifestyles, long working hours and increased reliance on energy drinks have made caffeine overconsumption a growing public health concern.

 

How Caffeine Works in the Body

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by blocking adenosine, a chemical responsible for promoting sleep and relaxation.

This results in:

  • increased alertness

  • faster heart rate

  • heightened mental activity

However, overstimulation places stress on multiple body systems.

 

What Is Considered Excessive Caffeine Intake?

According to WHO and global health guidelines:

  • up to 400 mg per day is considered safe for most healthy adults

Excessive intake occurs when:

  • multiple caffeinated beverages are consumed daily

  • energy drinks are used frequently

  • caffeine is consumed late in the day

Many people unknowingly exceed safe limits.

 

Nervous System Overstimulation

Excess caffeine overstimulates the brain.

Common symptoms include:

  • restlessness

  • nervousness

  • tremors

  • irritability

Chronic overstimulation can worsen stress and reduce emotional stability.

 

Anxiety and Panic Symptoms

Caffeine increases adrenaline release.

This can:

  • trigger anxiety attacks

  • worsen panic disorder

  • increase feelings of unease

ICMR mental health studies note caffeine as a common trigger for anxiety symptoms in sensitive individuals.

 

Sleep Disruption and Insomnia

Sleep is one of the first systems affected.

Excessive caffeine:

  • delays sleep onset

  • reduces deep sleep

  • shortens total sleep duration

Even caffeine consumed 6–8 hours before bedtime can impair sleep quality.

 

Impact on Heart Health

High caffeine intake affects the cardiovascular system.

Possible effects include:

  • increased heart rate

  • palpitations

  • irregular heart rhythm

People with underlying heart conditions are particularly vulnerable.

 

Blood Pressure Elevation

Caffeine temporarily raises blood pressure.

Chronic excessive intake may:

  • worsen hypertension

  • increase cardiovascular risk

NFHS-5 data highlights rising hypertension prevalence in India, making caffeine moderation important.

 

Digestive System Problems

Caffeine stimulates stomach acid production.

This can cause:

  • acidity

  • heartburn

  • gastritis

  • bloating

People with sensitive digestion may experience symptoms even at lower doses.

 

Dependency and Withdrawal Symptoms

Regular high intake leads to caffeine dependence.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • headaches

  • fatigue

  • irritability

  • difficulty concentrating

Dependence reinforces overconsumption cycles.

 

Effect on Bone Health

Excessive caffeine:

  • increases calcium loss through urine

  • may affect bone density over time

This is particularly concerning for older adults and women.

 

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect.

High intake without adequate hydration may lead to:

  • dehydration

  • muscle cramps

  • fatigue

Hot climates increase this risk.

 

Impact on Blood Sugar and Metabolism

Caffeine affects glucose metabolism.

Excessive intake:

  • worsens insulin sensitivity

  • increases stress hormone release

This may increase diabetes risk when combined with poor lifestyle habits.

 

Energy Drinks and Hidden Risks

Energy drinks often contain:

  • very high caffeine levels

  • added sugar

  • stimulants

Lancet reports associate energy drink overuse with heart rhythm disturbances and metabolic stress.

 

High-Risk Groups

Certain individuals should be especially cautious:

  • people with anxiety disorders

  • those with heart disease

  • pregnant women

  • individuals with sleep disorders

Safe limits may be lower for these groups.

 

Signs You May Be Consuming Too Much Caffeine

Warning signs include:

  • frequent palpitations

  • chronic insomnia

  • persistent anxiety

  • digestive discomfort

  • reliance on caffeine to function

These signals indicate the need for reduction.

 

How to Reduce Caffeine Intake Safely

Effective strategies include:

  • gradual reduction rather than abrupt stopping

  • switching to decaffeinated options

  • avoiding caffeine after mid-afternoon

  • improving sleep and nutrition

Small steps prevent withdrawal symptoms.

 

Healthier Alternatives for Energy

Better ways to improve energy include:

  • adequate sleep

  • balanced meals

  • hydration

  • regular physical activity

These support sustained energy without overstimulation.

 

Role of Preventive Health Awareness

Preventive healthcare focuses on:

  • identifying lifestyle triggers

  • reducing dependency habits

NITI Aayog highlights lifestyle modification as key to non-communicable disease prevention.

 

Long-Term Health Consequences of Ignoring Excess Intake

Chronic caffeine overuse increases risk of:

  • sleep disorders

  • anxiety and mood issues

  • heart rhythm problems

  • digestive disorders

These conditions often develop gradually.

Conclusion

The health problems linked to excessive caffeine intake extend beyond temporary jitters or sleep loss. Chronic overconsumption strains the nervous system, disrupts sleep, affects heart rhythm, worsens anxiety and impacts digestion and metabolism. While caffeine can be enjoyed safely in moderation, recognising personal limits and maintaining balance is essential for long-term health. Listening to early warning signs and adopting healthier energy habits can prevent serious health consequences.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Caffeine Intake and Health Guidelines

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Nutrition and Mental Health Studies

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Hypertension and Lifestyle Risk Data

  • Lancet – Energy Drinks, Caffeine and Cardiovascular Effects

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Health and Lifestyle Modification Reports

  • Statista – Caffeine Consumption Trends in India

See all

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