Does hearing loss get worse as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. In fact, over 50% of those 75 and older have a hard time hearing.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we age. There is no one definitive cause for this occurrence, but it is usually considered to be a combination of many factors.
As we get 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 translate them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to interpret sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the result. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
Some of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Exposure to loud noise frequently over long time periods.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Particular medicines including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Hearing loss can be the result of numerous medical conditions, including diabetes.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble making out 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 people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
The importance of treating age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by untreated hearing loss. Anxiousness, depression, despair, social isolation, 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.
Instead of these problems, think about possible treatments, including hearing aids, sign language for those with 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 full and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is coping with hearing loss, call us today to schedule a hearing assessment!
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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