Final answer:
Conditions like aging or tumors, and ototoxic medications such as certain antibiotics, can contribute to hearing loss. Hearing loss may be conductive or sensorineural, with the latter often caused by damage to cochlear hair cells or nerves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conditions that are more common in older people, such as aging or tumors, can contribute to hearing loss. Ototoxic medications that are toxic to the hair cells in your ears (for example, some antibiotic drugs) can also cause hearing loss.
Hearing loss can manifest in different forms, including conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs due to issues like blockage of the ear canal or problems with the ossicles, making sound vibrations less likely to reach the cochlea. Sensorineural hearing loss is more common and typically results from damage to the hair cells or nerves in the cochlea due to factors such as excessive noise exposure, aging, head or acoustic trauma, infections, and ototoxic medications.
Prevention methods such as avoiding loud noises and using ear protection can mitigate the risk of hearing loss. If hearing loss occurs, various treatments including hearing aids and cochlear implants can help individuals cope, though they may not fully restore hearing. It is important to protect the ears from harmful noise levels and to seek medical attention if hearing loss is suspected.