Does hearing loss get worse as you get older? Hearing loss is a common gradually progressing condition that impacts all adults. Actually, over one half of those 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly developing condition of hearing loss as we age is generally known as presbycusis. Normally, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
As we age, our ears go through changes. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that detect waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells are damaged or die. Hearing loss that is the outcome of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never regenerate.
A few of the triggers of hearing loss include the following:
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by some drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Exposure to loud sound consistently over long time periods.
- Specific medical disorders like diabetes can lead to hearing loss.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have a tough time hearing soft voices, kid’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and a general lack of clarity when someone talks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
Additionally, increasing the TV volume, asking people 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
Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Anxiousness, depression, despair, social isolation, jeopardized relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that neglected hearing loss can have a negative impact on your quality of life.
Rather than dealing with these issues, consider possible treatments, such as hearing aids, sign language for people who have severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
Struggling with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
If you or someone you love is coping 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
