Does hearing loss get worse as you age? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions impacting all adults as they age, but it’s a gradual process. Actually, over one half of individuals 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we get older. Typically, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we age. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain uses to interpret sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the result. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Various medical conditions including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by specific drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people speak, difficulty hearing soft voices including children, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
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.
Managing age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by neglected hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is linked to depression, despair, anxiety, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These issues can, to a great extent, be avoided by having your hearing loss treated with solutions like hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is extreme, sign language.
No one should need to cope with age-related hearing loss. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with hearing loss, contact 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
