Can My Medical Conditions Cause Me To Lose My Hearing?

You may believe that hearing loss is a part of your natural aging process. That’s not always the case. Sometimes it can come from medical conditions and prescription medications. Both of these can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Below, we go over some of the common medical conditions associated with hearing loss.

Diabetes

In recent studies, hearing loss has been more prominent in patients with diabetes. This is when compared to patients with normal blood sugar levels. It’s well-known that high blood glucose levels can cause damage to small blood vessels in the body. It’s thought that diabetes damages the smaller blood vessels in the inner ear. This damage can lead to hearing loss. If you catch it soon enough, this doesn’t have to be permanent.

Multiple Sclerosis

A small percentage of those with MS have hearing loss as part of their condition. In some cases, hearing loss is the first symptom reported that leads to an MS diagnosis. Getting your hearing tested is vital to make sure that you get diagnosed as soon as possible.

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a hereditary condition. This can cause an overgrowth of bone in the middle ear. This results in tinnitus, hearing loss, and dizziness. Diagnosed most in young adults, you manage this condition with the use of hearing aids.

Ménière’s Disease

This is an inner ear disorder that can result in permanent or temporary hearing loss. Ménière’s disease causes sudden vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and nausea. You can treat this condition with hearing aids, medications, and other therapies.

Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is a skin cyst condition that appears in the middle ear. Some patients are born with this condition. Others who have chronic ear infections can develop it. This skin-lined cyst in the inner ear can disrupt the ability of sound waves to reach the inner ear. Additionally, the cyst itself may become infected. This can lead to dizziness, vertigo, and even hearing loss.

Acoustic Neuroma

When non-cancerous tumors develop on the auditory nerve, it can lead to hearing loss. The tumors may show no symptoms when they’re small. As they grow, they can press down on the surrounding nerves and structures of your inner ear. This blocks sound transmission. It can also lead to significant hearing loss. Patients have been able to have the neuroma removed. This helps to restore some, if not all, of their hearing abilities.

Childhood Infections

Did you have measles and mumps as a child? It could lead to permanent or temporary hearing loss. Those who had measles are more likely to have ear infections in the ear canal. This can cause temporary hearing loss. Those who contract mumps are at a higher risk for one-sided deafness. This happens if they don’t get their condition treated.

Contact Us Today

If you’re struggling with hearing loss, it’s time to contact us today. Let one of our hearing care professionals check your hearing. We can give recommendations for hearing aids that are right for you. We want you to hear better and have a more fulfilling life.