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Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as a result of aging. It is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults.
What causes age-related hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss is caused by changes in the inner ear and in the nerve pathways to the brain that occur as a result of aging. These changes include:
- Loss of hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) – hair cells convert sound vibrations into electrical signals
- Changes in the structures of the inner ear
- Changes in the nerve pathways to the brain
- Reduced blood flow to the inner ear
- Accumulation of a protein called lipofuscin in the inner ear cells
Age-related hearing loss is a sensorineural hearing loss, meaning that the problem is located in the inner ear or auditory nerve. It typically affects both ears and usually occurs gradually, so people may not notice the change immediately.
Risk factors for age-related hearing loss
While age-related hearing loss is a normal part of aging, some factors can increase the risk of more severe hearing loss:
- Genetics – family history of hearing loss
- Noise exposure – a history of exposure to loud noise
- Smoking
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Use of certain medications (ototoxic medications)
Symptoms of age-related hearing loss
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty hearing speech, especially in noisy environments or in groups
- Finding that others seem to mumble or don’t speak clearly
- Needing to ask others to repeat what they have said
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (such as doorbells, telephone ringers, or birds singing)
- Tinnitus – ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ears
- Feeling isolated or withdrawn because of hearing difficulties
Prevention and treatment
While age-related hearing loss cannot be prevented entirely, some factors can help to slow its progression:
- Hearing protection – wear ear protection when exposed to loud noise
- Cardiovascular health – exercise regularly and maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Avoid smoking – smoking increases the risk of hearing loss
- Manage medical conditions – control blood pressure and diabetes
- Hearing aids – modern hearing aids are small, discreet, and highly effective at improving hearing and quality of life
If you are concerned about age-related hearing loss, we recommend having your hearing tested. Regular hearing tests can help to detect hearing loss early, so that treatment can be started sooner. Contact us today to arrange an appointment for a hearing test.
