Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it is a slow process. Actually, over 50% of those 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly developing condition of hearing loss as we age is commonly known as presbycusis. Normally, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
As we age, our ears undergo 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 takes place when the hair cells are damaged or die. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by some medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people speak, trouble hearing soft voices including children, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
In addition, raising the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Neglected hearing loss reduces quality of life. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, anxiousness, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these problems, think about possible treatments, such as hearing aids, sign language for people 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. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
Consult with us today to schedule your hearing examination and to discuss the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone you love.
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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