Which Hearing Loss is Progressive and Associated With Aging?

Hearing loss is one of the top symptoms of aging. According to Hopkins Medicine, one out of every three adults over the age of 65 will experience some type of hearing loss. This can be for a variety of reasons, ranging from chronic exposure to loud noises, health conditions, genetics, and even some reactions to medications. Regardless of the cause, hearing loss can creep up – and often unexpectedly. 

Over time, you might begin to notice that your ears are ringing, or maybe it’s hard to hear a conversation when there are multiple other sounds in the same environment. Maybe you’ll find that certain pitches of sound are harder to hear than others, or it sounds like people you are speaking with might be whispering or mumbling their words. All of these factors point toward hearing loss that is associated with getting older.

Based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss can be broken down into one of four different types; this includes sensorineural hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. Sensorineural is very common, and can be caused by getting older, among other things. 

This age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a type of hearing loss that is progressive and associated with aging. It typically occurs gradually over time, and affects both ears equally. Age-related hearing loss is caused by changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve that occur as a result of aging. These changes can make it difficult to hear high-pitched sounds, such as speech sounds like “s,” “f,” and “th,” and can also make it harder to distinguish between similar sounds.

Age-related hearing loss can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can have a significant impact on communication and quality of life. Some common signs of age-related hearing loss include difficulty hearing in noisy environments, asking others to repeat themselves frequently, and turning up the volume on the TV or radio.

While there is currently no cure for age-related hearing loss, there are many treatment options available to help manage the condition and improve communication abilities. These can include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and communication training programs. It’s important to have regular hearing evaluations with a hearing healthcare professional to monitor changes in hearing and determine the best course of action

If you or a loved one are dealing with age-related hearing loss, all hope isn’t lost. While you can’t reverse time and go back to protect your ears, you can move forward with the knowledge that there are outlets available to help you hear better. After a quick and efficient hearing quiz with the specialists at El Dorado Hearing, you’ll get the answers you need in order to get on the path toward improving your ability to hear your loved ones. Reach out today and see how you can better manage your hearing going into the future!