- Aging: Normally over 60 years, some hearing loss especially at higher frequencies starts. The normal wear and tear of sounds over the years can damage the inner ears cells.
- Loud noises: Occupational noise, such as construction or factory work, and recreational noise, such as loud music in concerts, the engine of a snowmobile or motorcycle, airplanes, can contribute to the damage. Sudden loud noises, like bomb blasts, or even Diwali crackers, can cause sudden and permanent hearing loss.
- Heredity: The genetic makeup may make one more susceptible to ear damage. The age related hearing loss may also start earlier.
- Medicines: Ototoxic drugs such as the antibiotic gentamicin can damage the inner ear. Temporary effects on ones hearing - ringing in the ear or hearing loss can occur if one takes very high doses of aspirin.
- Some illnesses: Diseases or illnesses that result in high fever, such as meningitis, may damage the cochlea. Viral diseases like mumps, and measles can also result in deafness.