Top Causes of Hearing Loss and When to Seek ENT Care

Hearing loss can develop gradually or come on suddenly, affecting communication, safety, and overall quality of life. At West Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat, with offices in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, and Camarillo, CA, ENT specialists help patients understand the source of their hearing loss and offer personalized solutions that support long-term ear health and hearing clarity.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

There are numerous reasons why a person can start to lose their hearing. The most prevalent is presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, which affects both ears over time. Another prominent reason is noise-induced hearing loss resulting from prolonged exposure to loud environments, such as concerts, power tools, or machinery.

Other sources are an accumulation of earwax, which prevents sound from being conducted, or repeated middle ear infections that harm sensitive ear structures. Physical trauma to the eardrum due to injury or chronic infections can also disrupt normal hearing. Certain people develop hearing loss due to conditions such as otosclerosis, a condition that causes the middle ear bones to harden, or Meniere's disease, which involves the accumulation of inner ear fluid and balance problems. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is characterized by a perceived sudden decrease in hearing in one ear that requires immediate medical assessment.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Changes in hearing may be subtle at the onset. If you frequently ask people to repeat themselves, experience muffled hearing, or struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments, it may be a sign of early hearing loss. Other symptoms are ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty hearing phone calls or the television, and ear discomfort or pressure.

A few cases may include pain or discharge from the ears, which could represent an infection or another underlying medical condition. Any abrupt decline in hearing, particularly in one ear, must be considered a medical emergency and assessed immediately.

When to See an ENT Specialist

An ENT doctor can determine the cause of hearing loss through a comprehensive exam and audiologic testing. At West Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat, patients in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, and Camarillo, CA, have access to advanced diagnostics and a team that provides medical treatment options, hearing aid referrals, and ongoing support.

Don’t wait to get help if you notice a change in your hearing. Schedule a consultation with West Coast Ear, Nose, and Throat in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard, or Camarillo, CA, by calling (805) 379-9646. Early evaluation is crucial for protecting your hearing and maintaining your connection to the world around you.