Is age a factor in the advancement 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 developing condition of hearing loss as we get older is commonly known as presbycusis. Typically, there will be a variety of elements contributing to this condition.
As we get older, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They detect sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain uses to translate sound.
When these tiny hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the consequence. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Particular medications including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Various medical conditions like diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long time periods.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people speak, difficulty hearing soft voices like children, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
Other signs of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank the volume up on the TV.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is important
Neglected hearing loss decreases quality of life. Anxiety, depression, despair, social withdrawal, 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 extent, be avoided by getting your hearing loss treated with strategies such as hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is extreme, sign language.
No one should suffer 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, 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