This type of hearing loss is permanent. Causes of sensorineural hearing loss: Loud noises are a common cause of hearing loss. Constant exposure to loud noises, such as those produced by drilling equipment and loud music, causes gradual damage to the hair cells of the cochlea. Exposure to the loud noise of explosions can cause sudden hearing loss. Age is also a common cause of hearing loss. Over time the hair cells in the cochlea are gradually damaged, so hearing deteriorates. Hearing loss occurs in the elderly because by now most people's hair cells are damaged. Hearing loss may be due to hereditary genetic factors. Hearing loss may run in your family history and may have been inherited. There are many disorders due to hereditary genes. Examples include Usher syndrome, stickler, Waardenburg syndrome, Pendred syndrome. some genetic defects can also cause hearing loss, such as connexin 26 deafness. In some cases hearing loss may be due to