
Causes of hearing loss • Disease • Some illnesses affect the ear and can cause hearing loss. • Drugs • Some medicines can damage the ears if they are used for a long time. • Trauma • Foreign objects poked in the ear, sudden changes in air pressure and very loud noises can all damage the ear. • Age • Higher frequencies are harder to hear after the age of 20. People don’t usually notice until they are over 55. • Noise • Hearing loud noises (over 85dB) for a long time causes hearing loss.
The Ear Drum (tympanic membrane) Normal Eardrum Burst (perforated) eardrum
Hairy Ears Normal hairs Damaged hairs Rows of hair cells