As We Get Older, Does Our Hearing Loss Worsen?
Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. Actually, over one half of people 75 and older have trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we age. Typically, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
Changes happen 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 utilizes to interpret sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the consequence. Hearing loss that is the outcome of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Hearing loss risk is increased by certain drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Loud noises like going to concerts frequently or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- Certain medical disorders like diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people talk, trouble hearing soft voices like kids, and trouble hearing when there’s background sound.
Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
The importance of managing age-related hearing loss
Neglected hearing loss reduces quality of life. Anxiety, depression, despair, social isolation, 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 solutions 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. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.
Contact 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
