A reduction in hearing sensitivity may result from a problem in the outer ear, middle ear, and/or inner ear.

Outer ear hearing loss may result from a build up of wax in the ear canal or infection of the ear canal (e.g., swimmer's ear).

Typical causes of hearing loss in the middle ear are fluid trapped in the middle ear cavity, a perforated eardrum, and otosclerosis (calcification around the stapes, which significantly reduces its mobility).

Outer ear and inner ear hearing loss may be treated medically, either with drugs and/or surgery. If these are not an option, hearing aids are an excellent alternative.

Inner ear damage is considered the most common cause of hearing loss. Common causes of inner ear hearing loss are:

1. Normal aging process
2. Exposure to noise for long periods of time and/or at loud levels
3. Head injuries
4. Ototoxic medication (that which damages the auditory system)

Inner ear hearing loss, commonly referred to as sensorineural hearing loss, results from the damage to the tiny hair cells that line the cochlea, which ultimately affects the transfer of information from the ear to the brain. Surgical intervention is typically not an option with this type of hearing loss. Rather, hearing aids are most often recommended for sensorineural hearing loss.

The majority of people think hearing loss is for old people, when in fact 65 per cent of the population who experience hearing loss is under 65 years of age.

We live in a noisy world and noise has become the biggest contributor to hearing loss. Once the delicate little hair cells in the cochlea become damaged, it cannot be reversed. However, 99 per cent of noise-induced hearing loss is preventable.