Is age a factor in the development of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it’s a slow process. Actually, over 50% of those 75 and older have a hard time hearing.
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 undergo 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 utilizes to interpret sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the consequence. These hair cells don’t regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
Some of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by certain drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
- Various medical conditions including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud noise frequently over long periods of time.
Common 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 clarity when someone talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Other signs of hearing loss include regularly needing people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank the volume up on the TV.
Managing age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Anxiety, depression, sadness, 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.
These issues can, to a great extent, be avoided by having your hearing loss treated with solutions like hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.
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 somebody you love is dealing 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
