Is age a factor in the progression of hearing loss? Hearing loss is a common slowly progressing condition that impacts all adults. Half of people older than 75 have difficulty with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
The slowly progressing condition of hearing loss as we get older is commonly known as presbycusis. There is no one definitive cause for this occurrence, but it is typically considered to be a combination of many factors.
As we grow older, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss happens when the hair cells become damaged or die. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never regenerate.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Hearing loss can be the result of numerous medical disorders, including diabetes.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by specific drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long time periods.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a tough time hearing soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background noise, and an overall lack of clarity when somebody speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is important
Neglected hearing loss reduces quality of life. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, stress, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Rather than dealing with these issues, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for people with extreme hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
Suffering with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing test and to talk about the best treatments for your hearing loss or for somebody you love.
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
