Does hearing loss get worse as you age? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it’s a gradual process. In fact, over one half of individuals 75 and older have trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the slow process of hearing loss as we get older. Usually, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
As we grow older, our ears go through 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 uses to interpret sound.
The beginning of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or destroyed. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can be the result of several medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Certain medicines including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have difficulty hearing soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and an overall lack of resolution when someone speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Other signs of hearing loss include frequently needing people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to turn the volume up on the TV.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is important
Untreated hearing loss reduces quality of life. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, anxiety, cognitive decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these problems, think about possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for people with extreme hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. You can still have a full and enjoyable life.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing test 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