Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. Half of people over the age of 75 have trouble with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
The slowly progressing condition of hearing loss as we get older is generally known as presbycusis. Usually, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
As we get older, our ears go through changes. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain uses to translate sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the result. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Certain medical disorders including diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound consistently over long time periods.
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have difficulty making out soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and a general lack of resolution when someone talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
In addition, elevating the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is important
Neglected hearing loss decreases quality of life. Untreated hearing loss is linked to depression, sadness, stress, 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.
No one should need to cope with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
If you or somebody you love is struggling with hearing loss, contact 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