Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. Half of people over the age of 75 have difficulty with their hearing, as a matter of fact.

Presbycusis

The slowly progressing condition of hearing loss as we age is commonly known as presbycusis. Normally, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.

Changes happen in our inner ear as we grow older. There are little hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.

The onset of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or die. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.

The following are some causes of hearing loss:

• Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in a setting with continual loud noise.
• Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
• Certain medical conditions including diabetes can result in hearing loss.
• Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
• Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
• Hearing loss risk is increased by certain medications including chemotherapy drugs.

Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss

When you have a hard time hearing soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and an overall lack of resolution when somebody speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.

Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.

The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss

Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, 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 strategies such as hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.

Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. You can still live a full and enjoyable life.

If you or somebody you love is dealing with hearing loss, call us today to schedule a hearing assessment!

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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