Hearing loss can be an unfortunate reality of everyone’s golden years. As we age, our hearing apparatus can deteriorate, in some cases because we have simply heard too much loud stuff over our lifetimes. Presbycusis is the name for hearing loss that occurs as we age. It is nothing to be afraid of and is something that can be managed effectively as to not interfere with one’s quality of life. Here are some important and helpful, albeit basic, facts about age related hearing loss.
There isn’t one single factor that causes age-related hearing loss. There are, in fact, many factors that can cause our hearing ability to diminish over time. Sometimes the structure of the inner ear changes or the auditory nerves wear out causes hearing loss. IT is also possible that a lifetime’s worth of loud noise finally catches up to you.
It is not at all uncommon for hearing loss to occur as we age. It is estimated that 30-35% of those aged 65-75, and nearly 50% of those aged 80 and over, suffer from a age-related sensorineural hearing disorder like Presbycusis.
Often, the hearing loss occurs simultaneously in both ears so as to go unnoticed initially. It often becomes difficult to hear certain high-pitched sounds: the telephone ringing or a whistle, for example. It can become difficult to hear others speak or they may begin to sound slurred, and the sensation that everything seems to be set a low volume is not uncommon. Ringing noises in the ears may also occur.
Help is out there for those in need. Hearing aids can make a big difference depending on the exact type and degree of hearing loss. Listening devices in telephones and radios can also be of much assistance. Lessons in speech-reading (essentially reading someone’s lips as the speak) can also help to make everyday life and interpersonal interaction much easier.
Growing old–and losing some hearing ability–doesn’t have to be scary or debilitating. If age related hearing loss affects you, understanding some basic facts about presbycusis can help to ease the transition into a diminished capacity for hearing.
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