Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions impacting all adults as they get older, but it’s a slow process. 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 age is generally known as presbycusis. Typically, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.
As we age, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or destroyed. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is permanent as these hairs never restore.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Loud noises such as going to concerts frequently or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.
- Hearing loss can be the result of several medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by certain medications including chemotherapy drugs.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people talk, trouble hearing soft voices like kids, and difficulty hearing when there’s background sound.
In addition, increasing the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
The importance of treating age-related hearing loss
Untreated hearing loss decreases quality of life. Neglected hearing loss is linked to depression, despair, anxiousness, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Rather than dealing with these issues, think about 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 anyone should have to do. You can still have a complete and enjoyable life.
Consult us today to schedule your hearing examination and to go over 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