Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is a common slowly developing condition that impacts all adults. In fact, over 50% of people 75 and older have a hard time hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly progressing condition of hearing loss as we get older is generally known as presbycusis. Typically, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.
As we get older, our ears go through changes. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells are damaged or destroyed. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
The following are a few causes of hearing loss:
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in a setting with continual loud noise.
- Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
- Particular medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- Certain medical conditions including diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- Using headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people talk, trouble hearing soft voices including children, and difficulty hearing when there’s background sound.
In addition, elevating the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
The importance of managing age-related hearing loss
Untreated hearing loss decreases quality of life. Anxiousness, depression, despair, social isolation, jeopardized relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that untreated hearing loss can have a negative impact on your quality of life.
Instead of these issues, think about possible treatments, including hearing aids, sign language for individuals with extreme hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
No one should need to cope 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, 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
