Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? 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 50% of those 75 and older have difficulty 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 combination of elements contributing to this condition.
As we get older, our ears go through changes. There are little hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the result. Hearing loss that is the consequence of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- Certain medical disorders like diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by specific medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long periods of time.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble making out soft voices, kid’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 asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank the volume up on the TV.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, anxiousness, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These issues can, to a great degree, be avoided by having your hearing loss treated with solutions such as 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 have a complete and enjoyable life.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing examination and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for somebody 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