Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they age, but it is a gradual process. In fact, over one half of those 75 and older have trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly developing condition of hearing loss as we age is generally known as presbycusis. Usually, there will be a variety of elements contributing to this condition.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we grow older. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They pick up sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to translate sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the consequence. 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 the result of numerous medical disorders, including diabetes.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by certain drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people talk, trouble hearing soft voices like children, and difficulty hearing when there’s background sound.
Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, anxiousness, mental decline, diminishing 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.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anyone should have to do. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
If you or somebody you love is struggling 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
