Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is a common gradually advancing condition that affects all adults. Half of people older than 75 have difficulty with their hearing, as a matter of fact.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is defined as age-related hearing loss or the gradual process of hearing loss as we get older. Typically, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
As we grow older, our ears go through changes. There are little hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They pick up sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain utilizes to interpret sound.
When these little hair cells become damaged or die, hearing loss is the result. Hearing loss that is the outcome of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never regenerate.
A few of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss can be the result of several medical disorders, including diabetes.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by certain medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Exposure to loud sound frequently over long periods of time.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people talk, difficulty hearing soft voices like children, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.
Other indicators of hearing loss include regularly asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank up the volume on the TV.
The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by untreated hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, anxiousness, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Rather than dealing with these problems, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for individuals with severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. You can still have a full and enjoyable life.
If you or someone you love is struggling 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