Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common slowly advancing condition that impacts all adults. Actually, over 50% 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 age. Typically, 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 our inner ear that help us to hear. They pick up sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain uses to translate sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the result. These hair cells don’t restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
Some of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- Certain medicines including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- Various medical conditions like diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have difficulty making out soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and an overall lack of resolution when somebody talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
In addition, increasing the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Anxiousness, depression, sadness, social isolation, compromised relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that neglected hearing loss can have a negative effect on your quality of life.
These issues can, to a great degree, be avoided by getting your hearing loss treated with solutions like hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.
Suffering with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
Consult with us today to schedule your hearing test and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone 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
