Advancing age is the most common cause of hearing loss.
Noise exposure can cause hearing loss.
Some drugs and antibiotics can damage the function of hair cells or the auditory nerve. Drugs which can cause damage to the hairlike cells of the cochlea are quinine, aminoglycosides, diurectics, aspirin in large doses, and some cancer drugs. Wax can build up and block sound from passing through the auditory canal. Periodic removal of earwax can be performed by the audiologist. Head injuries which cause a reduced blood supply can harm the inner ear structure.