Does hearing loss get worse as you age? Hearing loss is a common gradually advancing condition that impacts all adults. Actually, over 50% of individuals 75 and older have trouble hearing.
Presbycusis
The slowly advancing condition of hearing loss as we get older is commonly known as presbycusis. There is no one definitive cause for this to happen, but it is normally considered a combination of many factors.
Changes occur in our inner ear as we age. There are little hair cells in your ears that pick up waves of sound and transmit the signals to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
The beginning of hearing loss happens when the hair cells become damaged or die. These hair cells don’t regenerate or grow back, so any hearing loss is permanent.
Some of the causes of hearing loss include the following:
- The risk of hearing loss is raised by smoking.
- Loud noises like going to concerts frequently or working in a setting with continual loud noise.
- Hearing loss can be the outcome of several medical conditions, including diabetes.
- Hearing loss risk is increased by specific medications including chemotherapy drugs.
- Heredity plays a role in hearing loss.
- The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
Common symptoms of age-related hearing loss
When you have trouble making out soft voices, children’s voices, voices when there is a lot of background sound, and a general lack of resolution when someone speaks are all symptoms of Presbycusis.
In addition, increasing the TV volume, asking others to repeat what they said, and ringing in your ears can also be signs of hearing loss.
The benefit of treating age-related hearing loss
Neglected hearing loss decreases quality of life. Untreated hearing loss is linked to depression, sadness, anxiety, cognitive decline, poor social relationships, and the risk of dementia.
Instead of these problems, consider possible treatments, such as hearing aids, sign language for individuals with severe hearing loss, telephone amplifiers, lip reading, or a cochlear implant.
Suffering with age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anybody should have to do. 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!
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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