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’s a gradual process. In fact, over 50% of those 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the slow process of hearing loss as we get older. 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 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.
The onset of hearing loss happens when the hair cells are damaged or destroyed. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by certain medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of several medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long periods of time.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble hearing soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and an overall lack of resolution when someone speaks 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.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by neglected hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, anxiousness, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Rather than dealing with these issues, think about possible treatments, such as 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 anybody should have to do. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with hearing loss, call us today to schedule a hearing assessment!
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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