Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it’s a slow process. Actually, over one half of those 75 and older have a hard time hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly advancing condition of hearing loss as we age is generally known as presbycusis. Normally, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
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 uses to interpret sound.
The onset of hearing loss occurs when the hair cells become damaged or destroyed. These hair cells don’t regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Some medicines including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Loud noises like going to concerts frequently or working in a setting with continual loud noise.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of several medical disorders, including diabetes.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble making out soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and an overall lack of resolution when someone talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Other indicators of hearing loss include regularly needing people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank up the volume on the TV.
Treating age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by neglected hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is linked to depression, despair, stress, mental decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These issues can, to a great degree, be avoided by having your hearing loss treated with strategies 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. You can still live a complete and enjoyable life.
Consult with us today to schedule your hearing test and to talk about the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone 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
