Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it’s a slow 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 slow process of hearing loss as we get older. Normally, there will be a variety of elements contributing to this condition.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we grow older. There are little hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss happens when the hair cells become damaged or die. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of numerous medical conditions, including diabetes.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by certain drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people speak, trouble hearing soft voices like kids, and difficulty hearing when there’s background sound.
Other indicators of hearing loss include frequently needing people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to turn up the volume on the TV.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, stress, mental decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These problems can, to a great degree, be avoided by getting 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.
Suffering with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anyone should have to do. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
Consult us today to schedule your hearing examination and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for somebody you love.
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