Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it’s a gradual process. In fact, over one half of people 75 and older have trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the slow process of hearing loss as we age. Usually, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we grow older. 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.
The onset of hearing loss occurs when the hair cells become damaged or destroyed. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never restore.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by specific medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- Exposure to loud noise consistently over long time periods.
- Certain medical disorders including diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
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 an overall lack of resolution when somebody talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
In addition, raising the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
The importance of managing age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Anxiety, depression, sadness, social isolation, compromised relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that neglected hearing loss can have a negative impact on your quality of life.
Instead of these issues, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for those who have severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
If you or someone you love is coping with hearing loss, contact 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