Understanding the Link Between Age and Hearing Loss

In many cases, age and hearing loss go hand in hand and is often referred to as presbycusis. This involves the gradual loss of hearing in both ears and is common in adults over the age of 65. This change might not be noticeable to some individuals, due to the gradual nature of the hearing loss, so it’s important to understand more about it, how to notice the signs and support those who are close to you. Of course, there are many people who have hearing loss which isn’t linked to their age, who will find good support and advice from their local hearing health professional too.

What Is the Main Cause of Age-Related Hearing Loss?

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is primarily caused by changes in the inner ear as people grow older. Over time, the tiny hair cells in the cochlea, which help transmit sound to the brain, can become damaged. This damage reduces the ability of the inner ear to receive and process sound waves effectively. Additionally, changes in the structure of the inner ear and the auditory nerve can contribute to age-related hearing loss. While genetics and prolonged exposure to loud noises can play a role, aging itself is the main factor behind this type of hearing loss. As a result, older adults often experience difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments.

Getting older also means health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, which are also linked to hearing loss. Some medications can also have an effect on hearing too. Depending on previous work environments, hearing may also worsen due to these conditions.

Age-Related Hearing Loss Symptoms

As age-related hearing loss symptoms can be very gradual, some individuals don’t notice the symptoms straight away; it can be a very gradual process. Some of the noticeable signs could include hearing muffled or slurred speech sounds from others, a difficulty hearing high pitched sounds or conversations with lots of background noise. Some sounds may also feel overly loud to a person with hearing loss or they may experience tinnitus, which is a ringing in their ears. If you or your loved one experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your hearing health professional to discover your options.

Can Age-Related Hearing Loss Be Prevented?

A few general lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of hearing loss as you get older. Eating a well-balanced diet, attending regular hearing screenings and avoiding prolonged loud noises and noisy environments will help to maintain healthy hearing as you get older.

Visit a Hearing Health Professional

If you, your parent, grandparent or close loved one is experiencing age-related hearing loss, the best thing they can do is visit a hearing health professional. They will receive tailored advice and a full hearing examination so they can find the best long-term solution. In many cases, people find that hearing aids can help them to discover a better quality of life when they have hearing loss. This will also help them to improve communication and understanding, as their hearing aids will improve the clarity of sounds for them.