Is age a factor in the development of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually developing condition that impacts all adults. Actually, over 50% of individuals 75 and older have trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the slow process of hearing loss as we get older. Normally, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
As we grow older, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They pick up sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain uses to interpret sound.
The beginning of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or destroyed. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Certain medical conditions including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by some medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people speak, difficulty hearing soft voices like children, and difficulty hearing when there’s background sound.
Additionally, raising the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
Managing age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by neglected hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is linked to depression, sadness, anxiety, cognitive decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These issues can, to a great extent, be avoided by having your hearing loss treated with strategies such as hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.
No one should need to cope with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to take pleasure in your life again.
Consult with us today to schedule your hearing examination and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for somebody you love.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
References
Older Adults — Hearing Health Foundation
Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)
Seniors and Hearing Loss – American Academy of Audiology