Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions impacting 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 commonly known as presbycusis. Normally, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we get older. There are little hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.
The onset of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or die. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- Hearing loss risk is raised by certain drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long time periods.
- Certain medical disorders including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people speak, trouble hearing soft voices including children, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
Additionally, raising the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
Managing age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is linked to depression, despair, anxiousness, cognitive 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 solutions such as 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. You can still have a full and enjoyable life.
If you or somebody you love is dealing 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
