Facts About Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage to the inner ear and accounts for over 90% of hearing loss in adults. This type of hearing loss is generally permanent. Causes of Sensorineural hearing loss include: • Deterioration of hair cells due to exposure to loud sounds or aging. • Deterioration of nerves pathways that transmit signals to the brain, most commonly caused by a tumor pinching the nerves. • Trauma to the head. • Infection that reaches the inner ear. • Heredity.

Gunfire causes sensorineural hearing loss that is irreversible.
Loud, sudden noises are more damaging to hearing than regular and extended exposure to loud sounds over a period of time.

As many as 50 percent of all recreational shooters may suffer some degree of hearing loss. It is generally thought that loud noises in excess of 90 decibels are harmful to hearing over prolonged exposure.  Most gunfire exceeds 130 decibels and requires reliable, quality hearing protection. Using ear protection can prevent needless and permanent damage to hearing.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is damage or blockage in the outer or middle ear, preventing sound from traveling normally through the ear canal to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss can often be corrected.

Causes of Conductive hearing loss include:

• fluid build up, often due to ear infection
• ear wax
• perforated ear drum