Does hearing loss get worse as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. In fact, over one half of those 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we age. Normally, there will be a variety of elements contributing to this condition.
As we get older, our ears go through changes. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss occurs when the hair cells become damaged or die. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never restore.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- Some medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Hearing loss can be the result of numerous medical disorders, including diabetes.
- Exposure to loud sound consistently over long periods of time.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a hard time hearing soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and a general lack of clarity when somebody speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Additionally, elevating the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
The benefit of treating age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively affected by neglected hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, stress, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These problems can, to a great degree, be avoided by getting your hearing loss treated with strategies such as 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 anyone should have to do. You can still have a full and enjoyable life.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing examination and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for somebody 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
