Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it’s a gradual process. Actually, over one half of people 75 and older have trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we age. Normally, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we grow older. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.
The onset of hearing loss happens when the hair cells are damaged or destroyed. These hair cells don’t regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
Some of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss risk is increased by certain drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Certain medical disorders like diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Loud noises like going to concerts frequently or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
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 noise, and an overall lack of clarity when someone talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
Treating age-related hearing loss is essential
Neglected hearing loss decreases quality of life. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, anxiousness, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These issues can, to a great degree, be avoided by getting your hearing loss treated with strategies like hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is extreme, sign language.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
If you or someone you love is struggling with hearing loss, call 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