Does hearing loss get worse as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting all adults as they get older, but it is a gradual process. 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. Normally, there will be a variety of factors contributing to this condition.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we grow older. There are tiny 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 consequence. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
Some of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of numerous medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts frequently or working in a setting with consistent loud noise.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, particularly with headphones.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people speak, trouble hearing soft voices including kids, and trouble hearing when there is background sound.
Other indicators of hearing loss include regularly needing people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to turn up the volume on the TV.
Treating age-related hearing loss is essential
Untreated hearing loss reduces quality of life. Untreated 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.
No one should need to cope with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
If you or somebody you love is dealing 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