Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is a common gradually advancing condition that affects all adults. Half of people over the age of 75 have trouble with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we get older. There is no one definitive cause for this occurrence, but it is typically considered to be a combination of many factors.
As we grow older, our ears undergo changes. 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 destroyed, hearing loss is the outcome. Hearing loss that is the outcome of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- Some medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long periods of time.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can be the result of numerous medical disorders, including diabetes.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
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.
Other indicators of hearing loss include regularly asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank the volume up on the TV.
Treating age-related hearing loss is important
Neglected hearing loss decreases quality of life. Anxiety, depression, despair, social withdrawal, compromised relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that neglected hearing loss can have a negative effect on your quality of life.
Rather than dealing with these problems, think about possible treatments, such as 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. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is dealing with hearing loss, call 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