Hearing is one of the most important senses for communication, learning, and daily life. Yet many people ignore early symptoms of hearing-related issues until the condition becomes serious. For most patients, hearing loss begins slowly—with slight difficulty following conversations, needing higher TV volume, or experiencing ringing and whistling sounds in the ear. These early signs should never be ignored.
If you are looking to understand the root causes of hearing loss, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. This blog includes medical insights aligned with the expertise of mine. I’m Dr. Prasobh Stalin,ENT Specialist and Head of ENT & Head Neck Surgery at Little Flower Hospital and Research Centre, Angamaly.
What Exactly Is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to hear or process sound in one or both ears. It can be temporary or permanent, mild or severe, and can affect anyone regardless of age.
Common early symptoms include:
● Muffled or unclear hearing
● Trouble understanding speech, especially in noise
● Buzzing, ringing, or whistling sounds in the ear (tinnitus)
● Needing to increase the TV or phone volume
● Ear fullness or blocked sensation
● Difficulty hearing children’s voices or high-pitched sounds
Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment success.
Major Causes of Hearing Loss
1. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
One of the most common causes today is exposure to loud sounds. Headphones at high volume, construction noise, machinery, traffic, loudspeakers, and firecrackers can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. These cells do not regenerate, which means the damage is permanent.
Kerala has seen a rise in headphone-induced hearing loss due to increased smartphone usage among students and professionals. Protecting your ears from loud noise is essential.
2. Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)
Hearing naturally declines as people age, especially after 55. This happens due to gradual wear and tear on the inner ear. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid imbalances can accelerate this decline. Early screening helps detect age-related hearing loss before it affects daily communication.
3. Earwax Blockage
Impacted earwax is a very common reason for temporary hearing loss. When wax fully blocks the ear canal, it can cause hearing reduction, dizziness, tinnitus, and irritation. Earbuds often worsen the problem by pushing wax deeper inside. Safe removal by an ENT specialist restores hearing quickly.
4. Ear Infections and Allergies
Frequent sinus issues, allergies, and colds can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear. This condition, common among children and adults with allergy problems, leads to muffled hearing and recurrent infections.
Patients often search for the best allergy clinic in Ernakulam or an allergy specialist in Thrissur because untreated allergies can cause repeated ear infections, fluid accumulation, and long-term hearing loss.
5. Tinnitus (Ringing or Whistling Sounds in the Ear)
Tinnitus is one of the most common early signs of hearing trouble. Patients describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, ticking, or whistling. It may be constant or intermittent.
Tinnitus may occur due to:
● Age-related hearing loss
● Wax buildup
● Ear injury
● Nerve-related issues
● Stress or anxiety
● Inner ear disorders
● Medication side effects
A proper evaluation is essential for effective tinnitus treatment in Kerala. Untreated tinnitus can affect concentration, sleep, and mental well-being.
6. Genetic or Congenital Conditions
Some individuals are born with abnormalities in the inner or middle ear. Others may develop inherited conditions such as otosclerosis, where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear leads to hearing decline. Early intervention offers the best outcomes.
7. Sudden Injury or Trauma
Head injuries, slaps to the ear, sudden pressure changes during flights, and loud blasts can rupture the eardrum or damage inner ear structures. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary to prevent permanent hearing loss.
8. Ototoxic Medications
Certain medications can damage the hearing nerve or inner ear. These include some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and high-dose painkillers. Patients should always consult a doctor before starting or stopping medication.
9. Chronic Diseases
Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and hypertension can reduce blood supply to the inner ear, affecting hearing ability.
How Hearing Loss Is Diagnosed
A thorough hearing evaluation may include:
● Video otoscopy
● Pure tone audiometry
● Tympanometry
● Speech audiometry
● Tinnitus pitch and loudness matching
● Allergy assessment (if needed)
Accurate diagnosis helps identify the exact cause and the most effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Hearing Loss
1. Medical and Surgical Treatments
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options include:
● Wax removal
● Medication for infections and allergies
● Treating sinus and nasal problems
● Tympanoplasty (repair of eardrum)
● Mastoidectomy (for chronic ear discharge)
● Endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)
● Coblator-assisted adenoidectomy or tonsil surgery for children
2. Tinnitus Treatment in Kerala
Tinnitus is treatable when the underlying cause is identified. Treatment may include:
● Counselling and tinnitus retraining therapy
● Sound therapy
● Treating allergies, sinus issues, or infections
● Hearing aids for hearing-related tinnitus
● Stress reduction and sleep improvement
3. Hearing Aids
Modern hearing aids offer exceptional clarity and comfort. Many patients prefer invisible models.
Patients frequently search for cheap and best invisible in-the-ear hearing aids Kerala because these devices:
● Fit comfortably inside the ear canal
● Are discreet and aesthetically appealing
● Deliver natural sound quality
● Connect with smartphones
● Reduce background noise
A professional trial and proper fitting ensure the best results.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist
Immediate consultation is recommended if you experience:
● Ringing or buzzing in the ear
● Sudden or gradual hearing loss
● Persistent ear pain
● Sinus or allergy symptoms
● Ear blockage or fullness
● Speech or hearing delay in children
● Loud snoring or mouth breathing in children
Early intervention prevents long-term complications.
Conclusion
If you or your family member is experiencing hearing loss, ringing in the ear, persistent sinus issues, snoring, or any ENT-related symptoms, timely evaluation is essential.
Consult
Dr. Prasobh Stalin
Head of ENT & Head Neck Surgery
Little Flower Hospital & Research Centre, Angamaly
For appointments and more information, Call Us
Your hearing health deserves expert care.