Is age a factor in the development of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they age, but it is a slow process. In fact, over 50% of people 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we age. Usually, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
As we age, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the result. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with continual loud noise.
- Specific medical conditions including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by specific drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people talk, difficulty hearing soft voices like children, and trouble hearing when there’s background sound.
In addition, raising the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
Treating age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by untreated hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is linked to depression, sadness, stress, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Rather than dealing with these problems, think about possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for people with 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 live a full and enjoyable life.
If you or somebody you love is coping with hearing loss, call us today to schedule a hearing assessment!
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