Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Hearing Loss Related to Age

Hearing deterioration linked to age related hearing loss (known as presbycusis) happens naturally to individuals above 60 years old. Presbycusis originates from three main factors which include age-related changes to the inner ear alongside loud noises and hereditary risk elements. Distorted hearing of high-frequency sounds and difficulty in conversation understanding characterizes the typical symptoms of presbycusis which requires constant request for repetitions from others. Since presbycusis has no cure, its treatment through hearing aids combined with speech therapy and suitable communication methods helps individuals retain an improved life quality.

What Is Age Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)

Hearing loss (presbycusis) is a gradual loss of hearing due to advancing age. It is one of the most common ailments that occur in older people. Hearing loss most people experience after turning 45 and it becomes progressively worse.

In this article where we discuss the causes, symptoms, types, treatment options and tips for living well with Adult hearing loss.

What Is the Main Reason for Age Related Hearing Loss?

Most presbycusis is the result of changes in the inner ear with age. 

Key causes include:

1. Cochlear hearing loss (not work well due to damage to hair cells in the inner ear).
2. Prolonged exposure to loud noises.
3. Genetics or family history of hearing loss.
4. Certain health conditions, like diabetes or hypertension.
5. Medications (ototoxic drugs).

Other Contributing Factors:

1. Smoking.
2. Poor circulation.
3. In the absence of ear protection, exposure to loud noises.

Before what ages does hearing loss begin?

The process of hearing deterioration usually starts around age 45 but few experience significant hearing problems before reaching middle or old age. Hearing health experts say:

Hearing loss at age 45: Mild, generally high frequency.

Hearing loss at 60+: Becomes noticeable, especially in loud environments.

Normal age related hearing loss for a 70 year old: Difficulty hearing soft sounds or understanding speech in background noise.

So if you or your aging loved one is hard of hearing reach out to the professionals. Hearing Aid Center Dhaka, checkup, fitting, and hearing aid nearest.

Call now on 01711-636214 to make an appointment!

Symptoms of Presbycusis

Detecting the symptoms early can help ensure easier management of the condition. Here are common signs:

1. Having to hear people repeat themselves constantly.
2. Difficulty hearing in group situations.
3. Make The TV Or Phone Louder.
4. Finding it hard to hear speech clearly, especially in the presence of background noise.
5. Tinnitus (Ringing in the ear).

Four Types of Presbycusis:

1. Presbycusis defined: Presbycusis refers to the age-related degeneration of the sensory hearing cells in the cochlea, the bony spiral tube in the inner ear that facilitates hearing. The degeneration of these hair cells leads to hearing loss over time.
2. Neural Presbycusis: Degeneration of cochlear nerve fibers.
3. Strial (Vascular) Presbycusis: Loss of the blood supply to cochlear structures
4. Mechanical Presbycusis: Mechanic changes in cochlear stiffness.

There are a few types, of which some can happen alone or a mixture.

How to Live with Bad Hearing?

Here are some lifestyle tips to try if you have age related hearing loss:

1. Listen with properly prescribed aids.
2. Continue to reduce background noises when talking and lip read and body darner up more Down into Fall, it’s all about your emotional wellness.

These include treatments and prevention methods:

To put it another way, with the right equipment and support, hearing loss is a manageable condition.

Without treatment, the consequences of age related hearing loss can augment those of dementia and leave patients vulnerable to new complications arising from their social isolation.

Presbycusis can’t be cured, but many treatments can significantly improve hearing:

• Hearing Aids:

The widespread management solution for hearing loss patients consists of hearing aids. The modern hearing device combines discreet design characteristics with digital programming functionality and Bluetooth technology and individual sound processing functions. People with mild to moderate hearing loss should use these devices because they enhance communication in everyday situations. Modern hearing aids are small, smart and powerful.

• Cochlear Implants:

Medical experts recommend cochlear implant candidate selection for people who experience severe to profound hearing loss but fail to obtain any useful benefit from hearing aid technology. Surgeries provide patients the opportunity to have devices positioned inside their bodies which skip over problematic inner ear areas while simultaneously activating the auditory nerves for better sound recognition abilities.

• Assistive Listening Devices:

Specific situations can be enhanced with the use of Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs). TV amplifiers and FM systems as well as captioned phones and smartphone apps with communication functions serve as different types of Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs). The functionality of Assistive Listening Devices works best in noisily environments and conditions requiring augmented hearing supports for residential spaces or educational and working environments.

• Treatment for Presbycusis:

The condition of presbycusis which causes hearing loss due to aging cannot be restored but its negative effects can be properly managed.

Speech Therapy

Through speech therapy people who are older achieve better communication clarity and listening comprehension especially if their hearing loss has altered their vocal expressions and word pronunciation.

 Communication Training

People need to learn various strategies such as reading lips while also using visual signals to enhance their listening environments. Social connections and better communication outcomes result from its assistance in helping people with hearing difficulties maintain social connection.

Read also: Counseling for emotional adjustment

How to Prevent Hearing Loss as You Age

You can take measures that could decrease your risk of hearing loss, such as:

1. Hearing conservation in high noise areas.
2. Managing chronic illnesses.
3. Reducing the use of ototoxic drugs whenever possible.
4. Hearing tests can be done on a frequent basis after age 45.
5. Nurturing nerve and ear health with a wholesome diet.

Conclusion

Age related hearing loss (Presbycusis) — a loss of hearing that happens with age — doesn’t have to diminish your quality of life. Undiagnosed, however, hearing loss and the social isolation it brings, can become debilitating; but diagnosed early coupled with professional assistance and modern hearing technologies, you can continue to stay connected to your world.

Make an appointment with a hearing specialist today; it will be the first step towards better hearing!

FAQs

1. What condition causes a person to lose all their hearing with aging?

Aged, noise, health condition – induced degeneration of the inner ear structures

2. Is it possible to live as anyone else even with a weak hearing?

Yes. The vast majority manage to live well with hearing aids and communication strategies.

Both the inner ear and the inner ear are unfortunately affected by age related hearing loss, and there are currently no cures.

There is no total cure but hearing aids can restore function.

3. How do we avoid auditionin’ when we invest?

Avoid noisy environments, manage chronic diseases, and seek regular checkups.