Is age a factor in the development of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common slowly advancing condition that impacts all adults. Half of people over the age of 75 have difficulty 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 combination of factors contributing to this condition.
As we get older, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain uses to interpret sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the consequence. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
A few of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Certain medical disorders including diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Loud noises like going to concerts frequently or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by some medications including chemotherapy drugs.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a tough time hearing soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and a general lack of clarity when someone 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 signs of hearing loss.
Treating age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. 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 impact on your quality of life.
These problems can, to a great degree, be avoided by having 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 need to cope with age-related hearing loss. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing test and to talk about 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