Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually advancing condition that impacts all adults. Half of people older than 75 have difficulty with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
The slowly progressing 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 happen in our inner ear as we get older. There are tiny 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.
The onset of hearing loss happens 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.
Some of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Smoking raises the risk of hearing loss.
- Particular medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Hearing loss can be the result of numerous medical conditions, including diabetes.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people talk, difficulty hearing soft voices including kids, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
Other signs of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank up the volume on the TV.
Managing age-related hearing loss is important
Untreated hearing loss decreases quality of life. Anxiety, depression, despair, social isolation, jeopardized relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that untreated hearing loss can have a negative effect on your quality of life.
These issues can, to a great extent, be avoided by having 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 enjoy your life again.
Consult with us today to schedule your hearing examination and to discuss the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone you love.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
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