Does hearing loss get worse as you age? Hearing loss is a common gradually developing condition that impacts all adults. Actually, over 50% of those 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the slow process of hearing loss as we age. There is no one definitive cause for this occurrence, but it is typically considered a combination of many factors.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we get older. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to interpret sound.
The beginning of hearing loss happens when the hair cells are damaged or destroyed. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
Some of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts frequently or working in a setting with continual loud noise.
- Hearing loss can be the result of numerous medical disorders, including diabetes.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by specific medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a hard time making out soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and a general lack of clarity when someone speaks 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.
The benefit of treating age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by neglected hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is linked to depression, despair, anxiousness, cognitive decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These issues can, to a great degree, be avoided by getting your hearing loss treated with strategies like hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. You can still have a full and enjoyable life.
Consult us today to schedule your hearing examination and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for somebody you love.
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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