Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it is a gradual process. Half of people over the age of 75 have difficulty with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
The slowly advancing condition of hearing loss as we age is generally known as presbycusis. Usually, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
As we grow older, our ears go through changes. There are little hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to translate sound.
The beginning of hearing loss happens when the hair cells become damaged or die. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Various medical conditions including diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by some drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound consistently over long time periods.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people speak, trouble hearing soft voices including children, and trouble hearing when there’s background sound.
In addition, increasing the TV volume, asking others 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. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, anxiousness, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these issues, consider possible treatments, including hearing aids, sign language for those 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 examination and to discuss the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone 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
