Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common slowly advancing condition that impacts all adults. Actually, over one half of those 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. There’s no one definitive cause for this occurrence, but it is usually considered to be a combination of many factors.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we age. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to interpret sound.
The onset of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or destroyed. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never restore.
A few of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Some medicines including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- Exposure to loud noise frequently over long time periods.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Specific medical disorders including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people speak, trouble hearing soft voices including children, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
Additionally, raising the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is essential
Untreated hearing loss decreases quality of life. Anxiety, depression, despair, social isolation, compromised relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that untreated hearing loss can have a negative impact on your quality of life.
Instead of these issues, think about possible treatments, including hearing aids, sign language for those with severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anyone should have to do. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.
Consult us today to schedule your hearing test and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone you love.
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