Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually advancing condition that affects all adults. Half of people older than 75 have trouble with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we get older. Normally, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we grow older. There are little 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 uses to interpret sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the outcome. These hair cells don’t regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long periods of time.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Various medical conditions including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble hearing soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and a general lack of resolution when someone talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Additionally, raising the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Anxiety, depression, despair, social withdrawal, jeopardized relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that neglected hearing loss can have a negative effect on your quality of life.
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.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to take pleasure in your life again.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing examination 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