Does hearing loss get worse as you age? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. Actually, over one half of those 75 and older have a hard time hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly advancing condition of hearing loss as we age is generally known as presbycusis. Normally, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
As we grow older, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny 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 uses to translate sound.
The onset of hearing loss happens when the hair cells are damaged or die. These hair cells don’t restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
A few of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with continual loud noise.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by certain drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of several medical disorders, including diabetes.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have difficulty making out soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and an overall lack of resolution when someone talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
In addition, elevating the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
The benefit of managing age-related hearing loss
Neglected hearing loss reduces quality of life. Anxiety, depression, despair, social withdrawal, 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 problems, consider possible treatments, including hearing aids, sign language for those with extreme hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
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
