Does hearing loss worsen as you age? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it is a gradual process. In fact, over 50% of those 75 and older have a hard time hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly advancing condition of hearing loss as we age is commonly known as presbycusis. Typically, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
As we age, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain uses to interpret sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the result. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts frequently or working in an environment with continual loud noise.
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Specific medical disorders like diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble hearing soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and an overall lack of resolution when somebody 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 signs of hearing loss.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, anxiousness, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these issues, think about possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for those with severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
No one should need to cope with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to take pleasure in 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
