Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually progressing condition that impacts all adults. Half of people older than 75 have trouble 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 combination of elements contributing to this condition.
As we age, our ears go through changes. 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 uses to interpret sound.
The beginning of hearing loss happens when the hair cells become damaged or die. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
Some of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Some medications including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts frequently or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
- Specific medical disorders like diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have difficulty hearing soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and an overall lack of clarity when somebody speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Other signs of hearing loss include frequently needing people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank the volume up on the TV.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by untreated hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, anxiety, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Rather than dealing with these issues, think about possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for individuals who have severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
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
