Is age a factor in the development of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually advancing condition that affects all adults. In fact, over one half of individuals 75 and older have a hard time hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the slow process of hearing loss as we age. There is no one definitive cause for this to happen, but it is typically considered a combo of many factors.
As we get older, our ears go through 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 translate sound.
The beginning of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or die. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never restore.
A few of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Some medications including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of several medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Exposure to loud sound consistently over long time periods.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people speak, difficulty hearing soft voices like kids, and trouble 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.
The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Neglected hearing loss decreases quality of life. Untreated hearing loss is linked to depression, despair, anxiousness, mental decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these problems, consider possible treatments, such as hearing aids, sign language for those 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 full and enjoyable life.
Consult us today to schedule your hearing test and to talk about the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone 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