According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss. For those over the age of 75, this number jumps to one in two. Hearing loss caused by the natural aging process is called presbycusis.
Why Does Our Hearing Worsen with Age?
Within the inner ears are tiny hair cells responsible for amplifying and converting soundwaves into electrical energy that the brain interprets as sound. These cells are easily damaged by factors like noise exposure, whether it’s from a single loud blast or a lifetime of everyday sounds. Once the cells are damaged or destroyed, they do not regenerate. The result is permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
What Are the Symptoms of Age-Related Hearing Loss?
Age-related hearing loss is a progressive condition, meaning many are unaware they have a hearing problem until it becomes advanced. Signs and symptoms of presbycusis include:
- People seem to mumble or slur; many people do not think they have hearing loss because while they can hear voices fine, they have trouble making out the words.
- It is especially difficult to have a conversation when background noise is present.
- Certain sounds are uncomfortably loud or annoying.
- You have trouble hearing higher pitch sounds like birds chirping, the telephone ringing and the voices of children.
- You experience a ringing, buzzing or whooshing sound in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Treatment Options for Age-Related Hearing Loss
Unfortunately, there is no cure for age-related sensorineural hearing loss. However, there are many treatment options available that can help you hear again.
- Hearing aids are the gold standard treatment for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices work by amplifying sounds in the environment to a level the inner ears can detect. Hearing aids are prescribed and programmed by audiologists.
- Cochlear implants may be recommended for people with severe to profound deafness and those who do not benefit from hearing aids. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that work by bypassing the damaged part of the inner ear.
- Assistive listening devices are tools that can be used alone or in conjunction with hearing aids. Examples include captioned telephones, remote microphones and FM systems.
For more information on treatment or to schedule an appointment, call The Hearing & Balance Center today.