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 trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly developing condition of hearing loss as we age is generally known as presbycusis. Typically, there will be a combination of elements contributing to this condition.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we get older. There are little hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and communicate the signals to the brain to be translated as sound.
The onset of hearing loss takes place when the hair cells become damaged or destroyed. These hair cells do not restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
Some of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Exposure to loud noise consistently over long periods of time.
- Certain medications including chemotherapy drugs increase the risk.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by smoking.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Hearing loss can be genetics.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of several medical conditions, including diabetes.
Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clarity when people speak, difficulty hearing soft voices including kids, and trouble hearing when there’s background sound.
Other indicators of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to crank up the volume on the TV.
Dealing with age-related hearing loss is essential
Untreated hearing loss decreases quality of life. Untreated hearing loss is connected to depression, sadness, anxiousness, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these problems, think about possible treatments, like hearing aids, sign language for individuals who have severe 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. 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