Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they age, but it is a slow process. Half of people older than 75 have trouble with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we age. Normally, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we age. There are little hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They pick up sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to interpret sound.
The beginning of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells are damaged or destroyed. These hair cells don’t restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Various medical disorders like diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by some medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long time periods.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble making out soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and a general lack of resolution when somebody talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Other signs of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank the volume up on the TV.
Treating age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, anxiety, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
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 severe, sign language.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. You can still live a full and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is struggling 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