Does hearing loss get worse as you age? Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting all adults as they age, but it is a gradual process. In fact, over 50% of individuals 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
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 to happen, but it is normally considered a combination of many factors.
As we grow older, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They pick up sound waves and translate them into nerve signals that our brain uses to translate sound.
The onset of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or die. These hair cells don’t restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Heredity plays a factor in hearing loss.
- Various medical conditions including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Exposure to loud sound consistently over long periods of time.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Particular medications including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people speak, difficulty hearing soft voices like kids, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking others 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 impacted by untreated hearing loss. Neglected hearing loss is linked to depression, sadness, stress, mental decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
These issues can, to a great extent, be avoided by getting your hearing loss treated with solutions like hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. There are ways to take pleasure in your life again.
If you or somebody you love is dealing with hearing loss, call us today to schedule a hearing assessment!
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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