Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually developing condition that impacts all adults. In fact, over 50% of those 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we age. Typically, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we age. 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 occurs when the hair cells become damaged or die. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
A few of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss can be the result of numerous medical disorders, including diabetes.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Loud noises like going to concerts frequently or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- Some medicines including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people speak, difficulty hearing soft voices like children, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
Other indicators of hearing loss include regularly needing people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to turn the volume up on the TV.
The importance of treating age-related hearing loss
Untreated hearing loss decreases quality of life. Anxiety, depression, despair, social withdrawal, jeopardized 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 problems can, to a great degree, 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.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
If you or someone you love is coping with hearing loss, contact 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