Age-related Hearing Loss

Presbycusis is the official medical term that refers to gradual age-related hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), presbycusis affects one in three Americans aged 65 to 74. Moreover, almost half of all people aged 75 or older experience age-related hearing loss.

This gradual change impacts both ears equally, and because it occurs over a long period, most people don’t even realize they are experiencing hearing loss.

Why People Lose Their Hearing as They Get Older

Age-related hearing loss typically occurs due to changes within the inner ear and, less commonly, within the middle ear or along complex nerve pathways to the brain. It’s no secret that everyone’s organs wear down with age and become less efficient, and ears are no exception to that fact.

Presbycusis or age-related hearing loss isn’t something that anyone can 100% avoid, and while the medical community doesn’t know why, they do know that everyone can take steps to lower the impact as they get older.

What Else Could Cause Hearing Loss?

Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss. The former is something that everyone will experience to some degree. However, the latter happens due to long-term exposure to loud noises.

Examples of noise-induced hearing loss causes include operating machinery or equipment without using ear protection like earmuffs or earplugs and listening to music at loud volumes socially or as part of a job.

Excessive build-up of ear wax in the ears can also cause hearing loss, and such a cause is usually only temporary.

How To Tell If You Experience Hearing Loss

There are many tell-tale signs you can check that will help you determine whether you’re experiencing hearing loss or not. For example:

• Do you find it hard to hear relatives, friends, co-workers and customers?
• Do you lack confidence in social settings because you find it difficult to hear what people say, especially when there is background noise?
• Do you need to put the TV or radio volume significantly higher than others in your household?

If any of those symptoms apply to you, it’s worth scheduling an appointment with an audiologist to check your hearing.

Can Age-Related Hearing Loss Get Treated?

Presbycusis or age-related hearing loss isn’t curable, meaning you can reverse the effects. But it is treatable – and you’ve got a few options that you can consider to improve your hearing and quality of life.

In recent years, advances in assistive technologies have meant that anyone experiencing presbycusis can find the best solution to suit their needs and lifestyles.

What Treatments and Devices Can Help?

One of the most popular treatment options for individuals experiencing presbycusis is hearing aids. If your audiologist confirms that you’re experiencing age-related hearing loss, you’ll be happy to know there are several different styles of hearing aids you can select.

Other treatment options include specialist hearing systems, assistive technologies like listening devices and phone amplification solutions.

Presbycusis is gradual, and while it affects many people each year and isn’t reversible, it’s possible to diminish its effect through various means. Scheduling an appointment with an audiologist is the best way to diagnose if you have presbycusis and to determine which treatment offers the best solution for your needs.