Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they age, but it’s a slow process. 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 slow process of hearing loss as we get older. Typically, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.
As we get older, our ears undergo changes. There are little hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss happens when the hair cells become damaged or die. These hair cells don’t regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
Some of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss can be the result of several medical disorders, including diabetes.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Exposure to loud noise frequently over long periods of time.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by specific drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble hearing soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and an overall lack of resolution when somebody speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Other signs of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to turn up the volume on the TV.
Treating age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, stress, cognitive decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These issues can, to a great degree, be avoided by getting your hearing loss treated with strategies such as hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
If you or someone you love is coping 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
