Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they age, but it is a gradual process. Actually, over one half of people 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the slow process of hearing loss as we age. There is no one definitive cause for this to happen, but it is normally considered to be a combination of many factors.
As we age, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to translate sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the result. Hearing loss that is the result 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 raised by specific drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of numerous medical disorders, including diabetes.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long time periods.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
Some typical 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 people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is essential
Neglected hearing loss reduces quality of life. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, stress, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These problems 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.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anyone should have to do. There are ways to take pleasure in your life again.
If you or someone you love is struggling with hearing loss, call 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
