Hearing loss with aging
Overview
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is the gradual decline in hearing ability that commonly occurs as people get older. This condition typically affects the ability to hear high-frequency sounds and can make it difficult to understand speech, especially in noisy environments.
Common Causes
Age-related hearing loss typically occurs as the tiny hair cells in your inner ear naturally wear down over time, similar to how other parts of your body change with age. Years of exposure to everyday sounds, from traffic and machinery to loud music, can gradually damage these delicate structures that help you hear. Additionally, changes in blood flow to the ear, stiffening of ear structures, and the natural breakdown of nerve pathways that carry sound signals to your brain all contribute to this common condition that affects most people as they get older.
Severity Levels
Mild: You may notice occasional difficulty following conversations in noisy restaurants or group settings, and might need to turn up the TV volume slightly more than before.
Moderate: You frequently ask people to repeat themselves, have trouble hearing phone conversations clearly, and find it challenging to follow dialogue in movies or TV shows without subtitles.
Severe: You rely heavily on lip reading and visual cues to communicate, have significant difficulty with phone conversations, and may feel isolated in social situations due to communication barriers.
Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if hearing changes occur suddenly or worsen rapidly, as this may indicate a treatable condition rather than normal aging. Schedule a hearing evaluation if you're having trouble following conversations, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, or turning up the volume on devices significantly. It's also important to see a healthcare provider if hearing loss is accompanied by ear pain, discharge, dizziness, or ringing in the ears, as these may signal underlying issues requiring treatment.
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