Does hearing loss get worse as you get older? Hearing loss is a common gradually developing condition that impacts all adults. Half of people older than 75 have trouble 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. Usually, there will be a combination of factors contributing to this condition.
Changes happen in our inner ear as we get older. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss occurs when the hair cells are damaged or die. These hair cells do not regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is irreversible.
The following are some causes of hearing loss:
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Hearing loss can be the result of several medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs raise the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by regularly listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- Loud noises like going to concerts regularly or working in a setting with continual loud noise.
Some common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people speak, difficulty 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 indications of hearing loss.
The importance of treating age-related hearing loss
Untreated hearing loss reduces quality of life. Neglected hearing loss is connected to depression, despair, anxiety, cognitive decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these problems, consider possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for those with extreme hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
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, call us today to schedule a hearing assessment!
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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