Age-related hearing loss is a common occurrence as we get older. Also referred to as presbycusis, approximately one in three people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss. Almost half of Americans over the age of 75 have trouble hearing and the Center for Hearing and Communication states that 12% of the population (or 38 million people) experience significant hearing loss later in life.
In fact, hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. This type of hearing loss is caused by slow, progressive changes to the nerves and cells of the inner ear. The level of severity varies from person to person. However, this type of hearing loss is considered permanent, regardless of whether it is mild or severe.
It is no secret that hearing is an important, complex function that can be hard to understand. As we get older, the bones and parts of the inner ear may start to stiffen, which can make the nerves that interpret sound less sensitive. There are a handful of options that are ideal for older adults who are experiencing hearing loss, such as cochlear implants.
Facts about Age-Related Hearing Loss
It is important to note that age-related hearing loss usually happens slowly and over time. However, there are a handful of early symptoms you should be aware of, including the following:
- Difficulty understanding others
- Feeling like others are speaking rapidly and too fast for you to understand
- Feeling like others are mumbling
- Failing to hear certain sounds
- Environmental noises seem louder than normal, making it difficult to focus
- Turning up the television or radio
- Hard time hearing children or adults with high pitched voices
- Straining to understand conversation
- Having to ask people to repeat themselves more often than usual
There are a wide range of causes of hearing loss, including the following:
- Genetics
- Loud noises
- Smoking
- Medical conditions – Such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Medications
Your suggested treatment path for age-related hearing loss will depend on how severe your hearing loss is. Your ENT doctor may suggest hearing aids, cochlear implants, or a type of bone anchored hearing system. To find out more about this type of hearing loss or to schedule a consultation with one of our ENT doctors in Dallas, Fort Worth or Arlington, please contact us today.