Hearing Loss and Deafness

Hearing loss can be defined as a reduction in hearing ability. Deafness is absolute hearing loss. Hearing aids can provide for better hearing, but other treatments include surgery and cochlear implants.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss and deafness can have a number of causes, exposure to noise being the most common. Most of the time hearing loss will occur from being exposed to loud noises over a long period of time, but even a brief exposure to an extremely loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Loud music and loud industrial equipment can also reduce the hearing senses.

Trauma to the head can result in hearing loss, especially in toddlers. Ear infections and tumors can also lead to short and long-term hearing loss.

Damage to hair cells of the inner ear, auditory nerve, or pathways of the auditory nerve in the brain can also result in hearing loss. Drugs, tumors, infections, and injuries to the skull can damage these types of sensory structures.

Many people start to notice hearing loss after age 50. However, natural hearing loss can occur at nearly any age.

Overall Effects of Noise

Exposure to loudness can produce hearing loss. Both loudness and the duration of the exposure to loudness are two key factors in determining hearing loss. A loud noise lessens the time it takes to produce hearing loss. Short intervals of loud noise can produce temporary hearing loss, but the loss can eventually become permanent if the person is exposed too many times.

Contact Us

If you have experienced major or minor hearing loss due to your work environment or because of faulty equipment, contact the Madison personal injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier at 800-242-2874 to learn more about your legal options