Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually developing condition that affects all adults. Half of people over the age of 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. Usually, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we get older. 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 uses to translate sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the outcome. Hearing loss that is the outcome of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never regenerate.
A few of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Hearing loss can be the result of several medical disorders, including diabetes.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by certain medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Exposure to loud noise consistently over long periods of time.
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 noise, and an overall lack of clarity when someone talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
In addition, elevating 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 dealing with age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by untreated hearing loss. Anxiety, depression, despair, social isolation, jeopardized relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that neglected hearing loss can have a negative effect on your quality of life.
These problems can, to a great extent, be avoided by having your hearing loss treated with strategies like hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.
Suffering 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 dealing 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