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Hearing loss is a problem that the majority of Canadians will eventually face. According to Statistics Canada, as many as three in five Canadians experience hearing loss, tinnitus, or both.
Given the prevalence of hearing loss in Canada, understanding its leading causes can help you take preventative action or find treatment. Not all causes of hearing loss are avoidable, but in most cases, hearing loss can be managed with the help of a hearing aid.
Managing hearing loss starts with an audiologist who will test your hearing and help you find the right device to restore your hearing. An independent hearing clinic like Toronto Hearing Consultants is a great place to start if you are already experiencing hearing loss. Consider booking a hearing test if you are aware of risks to yourself from any of the leading causes of hearing loss in Canada.
#1 Hypertension
Hypertension is a common condition among Canadian adults. It affects as much as a quarter of the adult population of Canada. Hypertension is more commonly known as high blood pressure.
Medications used to treat hypertension have been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus in Canada, a major issue in a country where over one in five adults experience hypertension.
Avoiding hearing loss related to hypertension may be possible by controlling blood pressure through lifestyle changes rather than medication. Dietary changes and more regular exercise can help keep blood pressure under control.
#2 Aging
Hearing loss can also be a natural result of aging. Age-related hearing loss is also called presbycusis and develops gradually with age. Aging can cause changes in the inner ear and the auditory nerve, impacting the ability of the auditory nerve to relay signals to the brain.
Age-related hearing loss can occur very slowly, to the point that it may take some time to fully notice the extent to which your hearing has deteriorated.
Audiologists recommend getting your hearing tested once you turn 65, even if you have not noticed any issues with your hearing loss. Hearing issues can develop earlier, but by the age of 65, you should have a baseline exam to help audiologists monitor future hearing loss.
#3 Loud Noises
Exposure to loud noises is another common cause of hearing loss and tinnitus, and it can impact people of any age. The risks posed by noise are directly related to how loud it is. Sounds under 70 decibels (dBA) pose no risks to your hearing. At higher levels, the length of exposure matters. A sound that registers at 85 dBA poses no risk for hearing loss if you are exposed for less than 45 minutes a day, but it can have significant risks if you are exposed for 8 hours a day or longer. For reference, standing at the edge of a busy road is about 80 dBA, while using a gas lawn mower is about 90 dBA.
#4 Wax Buildup
Wax buildup is one of the more benign and treatable causes of hearing loss. Wax accumulates in the ear canal over time, and if your ear overproduces wax, that wax can become impacted and block the ear canal. Improper attempts to clean out wax can also cause impaction, such as using a cotton swab. Blockages can muffle sounds and make it very difficult to hear.
Wax buildup can be removed with relative ease. A wax softener can be applied before flushing out the ear to dislodge wax buildup and wash the ear canal clean.
These are the most common causes of hearing loss and tinnitus in Canada.
Last Updated on by Icy Canada Team
