Does hearing loss get worse as you age? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it is a gradual process. Half of people over the age of 75 have trouble with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
The slowly progressing condition of hearing loss as we age is generally known as presbycusis. There’s no one definitive cause for this to happen, but it is typically considered to be a combination of many factors.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we grow older. 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.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the consequence. These hair cells don’t regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Certain medical disorders like diabetes can result in hearing loss.
- Certain medicines including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Exposure to loud noise frequently over long periods of time.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a tough time hearing 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, raising the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by neglected hearing loss. Anxiety, depression, despair, social isolation, jeopardized 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.
These problems can, to a great degree, be avoided by having 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.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. You can still live a complete and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is dealing with hearing loss, contact 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
