Is age a factor in the advancement of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common gradually advancing condition that impacts all adults. Half of people over the age of 75 have trouble with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
The slowly developing condition of hearing loss as we get older is generally known as presbycusis. There is no one definitive cause for this occurrence, but it is typically considered to be a combination of many factors.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we age. There are little hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the consequence. Hearing loss that is the consequence of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of numerous medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Exposure to loud sound consistently over long periods of time.
- Particular medicines including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
Typical 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 a general lack of resolution when somebody speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
Treating age-related hearing loss is essential
Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is linked to depression, sadness, anxiety, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these issues, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for people with severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
No one should need to cope with age-related hearing loss. You can still live a full and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is coping with hearing loss, call 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