Hearing Impairments

There are several causes of hearing disorders. Long-term exposure to environmental noise has been found to be a major contributor to hearing disorders or loss. Examples of environmental noises include living near airports or freeways, car stereos, children’s toys, crowds and hair dryers. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. Any sound louder than 90 dB is considered a potential hazard and may lead to a hearing disorder. A chain saw register at 100 dB and a lawnmower is measured at 90 dB. Ten million Americans have suffered irreversible noise-induced hearing loss. Another 30 million more are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day that could lead to hearing disorders.

Other causes of hearing disorders are genetics, diseases, medications, physical trauma or exposure to oxotoxic chemicals. Hearing disorders can be inherited; there are both dominant and recessives genes that can cause a mild to profound hearing disorder. Diseases such as measles, meningitis, mumps, AIDS and HIV can damage the auditory nerve or nerve system. Heavy use of hydrocodone as well as excessive exposure to lead, mercury solvents, carbon monoxide and pesticides can cause hearing disorders.