Does hearing loss get worse as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it is a gradual process. Half of people older than 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 to happen, but it is typically considered to be a combo of many factors.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we get older. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the consequence. Hearing loss that is the consequence of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by some medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Hearing loss can be the result of several medical conditions, including diabetes.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a tough time making out soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and an overall lack of clarity 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.
Managing age-related hearing loss is important
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Anxiousness, depression, despair, social isolation, jeopardized relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that neglected 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 those who have extreme 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 somebody you love is coping 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