Does hearing loss get worse as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they age, but it’s a gradual process. In fact, over one half of people 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 factors contributing to this condition.
Changes happen 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 translate them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to translate sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the outcome. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with continual loud noise.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of several medical disorders, including diabetes.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a hard time hearing soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and a general lack of resolution when somebody 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 indications of hearing loss.
Treating age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Anxiousness, depression, despair, social withdrawal, compromised relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that untreated hearing loss can have a negative impact on your quality of life.
Instead of these problems, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for people with severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to take pleasure in your life again.
Consult with us today to schedule your hearing test and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for somebody you love.
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