Does hearing loss get worse as you get older? Hearing loss is a common gradually progressing condition that affects all adults. Half of people over the age of 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. Normally, there will be a variety of elements contributing to this condition.

Changes happen in our inner ear as we get older. There are little hair cells in our inner ear that help us to hear. They pick up sound waves and change them into nerve signals that our brain uses to translate sound.

When these tiny hair cells become damaged or destroyed, hearing loss is the consequence. Hearing loss that is the result of damage to these hairs is irreversible as these hairs never restore.

The following are some causes of hearing loss:

• Smoking increases the risk of hearing loss.
• Hearing loss risk is raised by specific medications including chemotherapy drugs.
• Hearing loss can be genetics.
• The risk of hearing loss is increased by frequently listening to loud music, especially with headphones.
• Specific medical disorders like diabetes can result in hearing loss.
• Loud noises such as going to concerts frequently or working in an environment with consistent loud noise.

Some typical symptoms of age-related hearing loss

Typical symptoms of presbycusis include lack of clearness when people talk, trouble hearing soft voices like children, and difficulty hearing when there is background sound.

Other indicators of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat what they said, ringing in the ears, and needing to turn the volume up on the TV.

Dealing with age-related hearing loss is essential

Quality of life will be negatively affected by untreated hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is linked to depression, sadness, stress, mental decline, diminishing social relationships, and the risk of dementia.

These problems can, to a great degree, be avoided by having your hearing loss treated with strategies 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.

If you or somebody you love is struggling with hearing loss, contact us today to schedule a hearing assessment!

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

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