Why do we lose our hearing as we get older?

Many factors can contribute to hearing loss as you get older. It can be difficult to distinguish age-related hearing loss from hearing loss that can occur for other reasons, such as long-term exposure to noise.

The most common causes of age-related hearing loss include:

1. Damage to the hair cells in the inner ear: Over time, the hair cells in the inner ear can become damaged or worn out, making it harder for them to convert sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.
2. Changes in the eardrum and ossicles: As we age, the eardrum and ossicles may become less flexible, which can make it harder for them to transmit sound waves to the inner ear.
3. Noise exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. 
4. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain medications can increase the risk of age-related hearing loss. 
5. Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to age-related hearing loss due to genetic factors. 

Most older people who experience hearing loss have a combination of age-related and noise-induced hearing loss.