November 15, 2023
Hearing helps us connect with the world and the people around us. Unfortunately, as we age, many individuals experience age-related hearing loss. Let’s explore the various aspects of age-related hearing loss, from its causes and signs to prevention and available treatments.
Understanding Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a gradual and natural decline in hearing that often begins around the age of 60. It is the most common type of hearing loss and affects older adults worldwide. While age is the primary factor contributing to presbycusis, other factors can exacerbate the condition, including:
- Genetics: Family history can play a significant role in age-related hearing loss. If your parents or grandparents experienced hearing loss, you may be at a higher risk.
- Exposure to Loud Noises: A history of exposure to loud sounds, either through occupation or recreational activities, can accelerate age-related hearing loss.
- Changes in the Inner Ear: As we age, the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that transmit sound to the brain naturally deteriorate.
- Blood Flow: Reduced blood flow to the inner ear can affect hearing by depriving the auditory system of essential nutrients.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of age-related hearing loss.
Recognizing the Signs of Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss usually develops gradually, and many people may not even notice the early signs. Here are common indicators to watch for:
- Difficulty Hearing High-Pitched Sounds: High-frequency sounds, like birdsong or women’s and children’s voices, become challenging to hear.
- Difficulty Understanding Speech: Understanding conversations in noisy environments or when multiple people are speaking can be especially challenging.
- Frequently Asking People to Repeat Themselves: You may find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Increasing TV or Radio Volume: You might notice that you’re turning up the volume on your TV, radio, or personal music devices.
- Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears are common among individuals with age-related hearing loss.
Preventing Age-Related Hearing Loss
While age-related hearing loss is not entirely preventable, there are several steps you can take to mitigate its impact and protect your hearing:
- Protect Your Ears: Use hearing protection when exposed to loud noises, and prioritize wearing earplugs or earmuffs.
- Regular Hearing Checkups: Annual hearing checkups can help monitor your hearing health and detect changes early.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and managing chronic health conditions can support overall well-being, including hearing health.
- Reducing Noise Exposure: Limit your exposure to loud noises whenever possible. This includes turning down the volume on personal music devices.
Treatment for Age-Related Hearing Loss
If you suspect age-related hearing loss, it’s essential to seek professional help. While the damage is typically permanent, several treatments and interventions can improve your quality of life. Hearing aids are one of the most common and effective solutions for age-related hearing loss. They amplify sounds and provide clearer communication. In more severe cases, cochlear implants may be recommended to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and provide clearer sound signals to the brain.
Some individuals can benefit from assistive listening devices. These devices work with hearing aids to further enhance sound clarity in various situations, such as watching TV or using the telephone. We may also recommend strategies to improve communication skills in various listening environments.
Book Your Annual Hearing Test
Age-related hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process, but there’s no need to suffer in silence. By understanding the factors that contribute to this condition, recognizing the signs, and seeking professional help, you can take control of your hearing health. If you’re over the age of 60, or you are worried about your hearing health, we recommend annual hearing tests to monitor your hearing health. Embracing hearing aids and assistive listening devices allows you to continue engaging with life’s beautiful sounds.
Remember, you’re never alone on this hearing journey, we’re here every step of the way! There are also countless resources available to help you maintain a high quality of life, regardless of age-related hearing loss.