Does hearing loss worsen as you get older? Hearing loss is a common gradually progressing condition that affects all adults. In fact, over 50% of individuals 75 and older have a hard time hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly developing condition of hearing loss as we get older is generally known as presbycusis. Normally, there will be a variety of elements contributing to this condition.
As we age, our ears undergo changes. There are tiny hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
The onset of hearing loss occurs when the hair cells are damaged or die. These hair cells don’t restore or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
A few of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- Hearing loss runs in familiess.
- Wearing headphones when listening to loud music can increase the risk.
- Hearing loss risk is raised by specific drugs including chemotherapy drugs.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of numerous medical conditions, including diabetes.
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Exposure to loud noise consistently over long time periods.
Typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have difficulty making out soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and a general lack of clarity when someone speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
In addition, raising the TV volume, asking people to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be indications of hearing loss.
The benefit of dealing with age-related hearing loss
Quality of life will be negatively impacted by untreated hearing loss. Anxiousness, depression, sadness, social isolation, compromised relationships, and an increased risk of developing dementia are all ways that untreated hearing loss can have a negative effect on your quality of life.
These problems can, to a great extent, be avoided by getting your hearing loss treated with solutions like hearing aids, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, a cochlear implant, or if your hearing loss is severe, sign language.
No one should suffer with age-related hearing loss. There are ways to enjoy your life again.
Consult with us today to schedule your hearing test and to go over the best treatments for your hearing loss or for someone 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
