Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they age, but it is a gradual process. Half of people over the age of 75 have difficulty with their hearing, as a matter of fact.

Presbycusis

Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we age. Usually, there will be a variety 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 detect sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to translate sound.

When these tiny hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the result. These hair cells don’t regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.

A few of the causes of hearing loss include the following:

• Certain medicines including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
• The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
• Hearing loss can be the result of numerous medical conditions, including diabetes.
• The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
• Loud noises such as going to concerts frequently or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
• Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.

Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss

When you have trouble making out soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and a general lack of resolution when somebody speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.

Additionally, elevating the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.

Dealing with age-related hearing loss is important

Untreated hearing loss reduces quality of life. Anxiousness, depression, despair, 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.

Instead of these problems, think about possible treatments, such as hearing aids, sign language for those who have extreme hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.

Suffering with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. There are ways to enjoy your life again.

Contact us today to schedule your hearing examination and to go over 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