Hearing loss can happen at any age and for many reasons. Hearing loss can be congenital, or present at birth, or can develop suddenly at any age due to medical conditions or certain medications. Generally, hearing loss is associated with aging and develops gradually later in life.
Hearing should be monitored if you have a history of:
- ongoing exposure to loud noises
- ear infections or inner ear disease
- ototoxic (hearing damaging) medications
- genetic hearing impairment
- dizziness or vertigo
- Tinnitus (ear noises)
- ear pain or pressure
- ruptured eardrum
- head injury