What is Presbycusis?

Presbycusis is a slow decline in hearing that can affect many individuals as they age. It usually affects both ears and progresses so gradually that it can be difficult to notice early on. This type of hearing loss is mainly due to the natural aging process, which leads to changes in the inner ear and the auditory nerve over time. But what are the symptoms of presbycusis and how can you treat it?

Causes of Presbycusis

Presbycusis is the result of the gradual wear and tear on the auditory system that comes with aging. This condition is caused by changes in the cochlea, the auditory nerve and how the brain processes sound. The most significant changes occur in the cochlea, where tiny hair cells responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals for the brain slowly declines over time.

Another risk is the decline of the auditory nerve, which transmits sound impulses from the ear to the brain. When this nerve deteriorates, speech comprehension becomes more difficult because the brain receives fewer signals, which is an issue in loud settings.

Symptoms of Presbycusis

Presbycusis symptoms usually appear gradually, making it challenging for people to recognize they are experiencing hearing loss. Typical signs and symptoms include:

• Hearing high-pitch sounds: One of the initial indications of presbycusis is the inability to distinguish high-pitched sounds, including the voices of women and children or the ringing of a doorbell or phone.
• Difficulty understanding speech: As presbycusis worsens, people may experience more difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy settings. Talk may sound mumbled, and it becomes difficult to tell apart words that sound alike.
• Tinnitus: A common side effect of presbycusis is tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears.
• Requirement for greater volume: Individuals dealing with presbycusis frequently discover that in order to hear better, they must increase the volume on their phone, radio or television.

If you have noticed you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. They will be able to diagnose and understand the level of hearing loss you are experiencing to find the right treatment for you.

Diagnosis of Presbycusis

An audiogram is a hearing test that measures a person’s ability to hear different sound levels and frequencies. It is often used to diagnose presbycusis or age-related hearing loss. An audiologist reviews the results to determine the degree of hearing loss and whether it matches the typical pattern of presbycusis.

<p>Although presbycusis cannot be reversed, there are a number of therapy alternatives that can assist in reducing its symptoms and enhance the quality of life. The most popular form of treatment is wearing a hearing aid, which can amplify sounds to improve speech understanding and hearing. With features like directional microphones, Bluetooth connectivity and noise reduction, <a href=”https://hearillinois.com/hearing-aids/”>modern hearing aids</a> are quite sophisticated and can greatly improve listening. If you want to learn more about presbycusis or the different types of treatment available, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.</p>