Age-related hearing loss, called Presbycusis by hearing professionals, is the hearing loss that usually occurs as we grow older. It’s one of the most widespread health conditions affecting people over 50. Age-related hearing loss is not life-threatening. Still, it can have a significant impact on the quality of your life.
According to research, at least one in three people in the United States over 65 has hearing loss. And nearly 50% of people older than 75 have difficulty hearing.
Having trouble hearing can make life difficult and unpleasant. For instance, those with hearing problems find it hard to respond to conversations, follow doctor’s advice, heed smoke alarms, and hear doorbells. Hearing loss often leads to feelings of isolation, depression, and even dementia.
Age-related hearing can affect both ears equally. Because it’s a gradual process, you might not notice that you have hearing loss. That’s why you must go for ear checkups more often.
Many factors cause age-related hearing loss in older people. The most common are the changes that occur in the inner ear after 50 years old. However, changes in the middle ear or nerve pathways from the ear to the brain can contribute too.
Why do we lose our hearing as we get older?
According to medical experts, many factors contribute to hearing loss as we age. It can be challenging to distinguish between age-related hearing loss and hearing loss that occurs for other reasons, i.e., exposure to loud noise.
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused due to sounds that are too loud. This kind of hearing loss damages the ear’s sensory hair cells that allow you to hear. Once these hair cells are damaged, your hearing ability becomes a problem.
Some medicines are toxic to the sensory cells in your ears and can also lead to hearing loss. Also, conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can give rise to hearing loss.
However, it’s uncommon for age-related hearing loss to occur due to abnormalities in the outer or middle ear. Most older people with hearing loss have a combination of noise-induced and age-related hearing loss.
Symptoms of hearing loss in older adults
The symptoms of age-related hearing loss for those in their middle age usually begin with an inability to hear high-pitched sounds. For instance, you might notice difficulty hearing the voices of children and women. You might also need help hearing others speak clearly.
Some common symptoms you should watch out for include:
- Difficulty hearing the difference between “s” and “th” sounds.
- Ringing in the ears
- Certain sounds seem overly loud
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Unable to understand conversations over the telephone
- Turning up the volume on the television or radio louder than usual.
Furthermore, if you answer yes to 3 or more of the below questions, then you need to have your hearing checked as soon as possible:
1. Are you frustrated when talking to family members because you have difficulty hearing them?
2. Do you feel that your hearing loss limits your personal or social life?
3. Have you felt awkward when you meet people because you struggle to hear?
4. Is difficulty hearing or understanding co-workers, clients, or customers causing problems at work?
5. Are you restricted or limited by a hearing problem?
How often should you get your ears tested?
Hearing loss is quite common among older people and can be caught with proper screening and evaluation. Many people don’t recognize the early signs and warnings of the condition as it shows no outward symptoms until very late.
Older people should have their hearing checked often. Most hearing aid specialists recommend checking your ear every five years until age 50. Then every three years until age 60, then every 1 to 2 years.
Failure to have your ear checked periodically can lead to physical and mental problems. Below are other ways hearing loss can affect your well-being and quality of life:
- Hearing loss can reduce your communication ability and may lead to depression, isolation, and alienation. This affects up to 40% of adults who are over age 65.
- Not hearing traffic sounds, telephones, doorbells, emergency vehicles, alarms, smoke detectors, or cries for help can compromise your safety and even put your life at risk.
Age-related hearing loss is a gradual and slow process that can become a significant problem if not taken care of. Early detection is critical to saving yourself from becoming profoundly deaf in the future. Profound hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline.
You have age-related hearing loss. So What Next?
Hearing loss is a serious quality of life issue. The first thing you can do if you notice you have hearing loss is to seek the advice of a hearing specialist. At El Dorado Hearing we have a whole staff of hearing professionals and specialists willing and ready to help you.
Our team of hearing aid specialists is prepared to help patients of all ages discuss the importance of early hearing loss intervention. We provide hearing aid assistance, assistive listening devices, and tinnitus treatment. We also offer ear-cleaning services for children and adults.
Our testing and evaluation of your ear will enable us to determine:
- Whether or not a hearing loss exists
- The possible cause of hearing loss
- The degree and type of hearing loss and whether the loss exists in one or both ears
- The best treatment options
So what are you waiting for? Book an appointment at El Dorado Hearing or call us at 520-999-2649 for more information.
info@ElDoradoHearing.com
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