Does hearing loss get worse as you age? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. Actually, over one half 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. Normally, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we age. 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.
The onset of hearing loss happens when the hair cells become damaged or die. Hearing loss that is the consequence of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Particular medicines including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Loud noises like going to concerts frequently or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Certain medical disorders like diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have difficulty making out soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and an overall lack of resolution when someone speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
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.
Managing age-related hearing loss is important
Untreated hearing loss decreases quality of life. 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 impact on your quality of life.
Rather than dealing with these issues, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for those with severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anyone should have to do. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is struggling 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