Is age a factor in the development of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. Actually, over one half of those 75 and older have trouble hearing.

Presbycusis

Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we get older. Normally, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.

Changes happen in our inner ear as we get older. There are little hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.

The beginning of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells are damaged or destroyed. Hearing loss that is the outcome of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never restore.

The following are some causes of hearing loss:

• Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
• The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
• Loud noises such as going to concerts regularly or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
• Hearing loss risk is raised by certain medications including chemotherapy drugs.
• Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
• Hearing loss can be the outcome of numerous medical disorders, including diabetes.

Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss

Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people talk, difficulty hearing soft voices including kids, and trouble hearing when there’s background sound.

Other indicators of hearing loss include regularly needing people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank up the volume on the TV.

The importance of managing age-related hearing loss

Neglected hearing loss decreases quality of life. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, stress, mental decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.

Rather than dealing with these problems, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for people who have extreme hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.

No one should need to cope with age-related hearing loss. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.

Consult us today to schedule your hearing examination and to discuss the best treatments for your hearing loss or for somebody you love.

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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