Age:
In Germany around 12% of the population suffer from more or less severe hearing difficulties. The majority of those affected are over 65 years of age.

Noise:
Loud noise is one of the main reasons for the development of hearing difficulties. The noise in everyday life is not only annoying but also damaging, and not only for the hearing. It can also cause high blood pressure, a racing heart, stomach problems, heartburn, muscle tension and many other things.

Heredity:
Around a third of all hearing problems can be perceived at a very young age. If there are cases of hearing difficulty in the family, the probability of getting them is higher than for people without a history of known hearing problems in the family.

Infections:
Various bacterial infections and viral illnesses (scarlet fever, measles, meningitis etc) can cause more or less serious hearing problems. Even ear infections, which are not uncommon, particularly during childhood, can cause permanent hearing loss if not medically treated.

Otosclerosis
This is an illness in which the movement of the small bones in the middle ear (hammer, anvil and stirrup) is affected. The vibrations which are to be conducted into the inner ear are more muffled and quieter when they come to the inner ear than they would be in a healthy ear. This results in hearing problems.

Medicines, Smoking and Alcohol:
It is proven that several medicines can have a negative effect on hearing. They are called ototoxic drugs which means they are harmful to the hearing. Alcohol and smoking can also influence hearing.