Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common slowly developing condition that impacts all adults. Half of people over the age of 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 age. Typically, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
As we age, our ears go through changes. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They pick up sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to translate sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the consequence. Hearing loss that is the consequence of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never restore.
Some of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of numerous medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long time periods.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a hard time hearing soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and a general lack of clarity when somebody talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
In addition, increasing the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
Managing age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Anxiety, depression, sadness, 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.
Rather than dealing with these problems, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for individuals with extreme hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anyone should have to do. You can still live a full and enjoyable life.
Consult with us today to schedule your hearing examination and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone you love.
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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