Presbycusis is a term used to describe the age-related sensorineural hearing loss in senior citizens. Presbycusis is a complicated illness that develops over years and is caused by several variables that cause progressive and symmetrical hearing loss. Presbycusis is characterized by bilateral elevated hearing loss, which makes speech recognition and central auditory processing challenging. There are additional presbycusis forms, though.

Presbycusis may be brought on or worsened by genetic and environmental factors, as well as other illnesses and specific pharmaceutical classes.

1. Environmental

Presbycusis is primarily brought on by loud audio or loudness in the office, such as that from traffic or excavation.

Lawnmowers, guns, garden tools, and other noisy equipment and devices are examples of additional loud ambient sounds.

2. Biological Influences

Some people can get this type of ear damage due to genetics, and as they age, they may have hearing issues.

3. Various Illnesses

Presbycusis may also be caused by other conditions because healthy blood flow is necessary for vital hair cells, and many disorders may impact hearing. such as:

• High blood pressure with diabetes
• Heart condition
• Blood flow issues

4. Medication

Various medication therapies, such as some medications, aspirin, and chemo, can be harmful to the neural system and the ears. Due to this, these drugs could result in presbycusis.

What are the signs of hearing loss brought on by aging?

Hearing problems are, unsurprisingly, the main sign of age-related hearing impairment. The following signs and symptoms of hearing loss can also occur:

• Higher-pitched stimuli, including child’s screams or some technological noises, are difficult to hear
• When speaking to others, analyze lip sync.
• Increasing the music or TV’s loudness.
• Speech is difficult to comprehend in busy or noisy environments, such as clubs.
• Tinnitus, also known as “crickets,” can occur in one or both ears.

How to Prevent Presbycusis?

• By avoiding damage to the internal ear cells, initial mitigation of occupational noise and other lifestyle factors can minimize the signs of presbycusis later in life.
• Controlling conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure may enhance perfusion and lessen presbycusis signs.
• Eliminating or reducing the adverse effects associated with presbycusis can also be accomplished by eliminating drugs harmful to the ear, such as certain medications and aspirin. However, it’s probable that it won’t always be feasible. Always with your doctor before ceasing the usage of any medication, advises the patient.

How is hearing loss caused by aging identified?

To examine the ear and the external ear tube, your doctor will use an otoscope, an illuminated tool. The eardrum will be examined for injury, as well as the ear canal for obstruction from debris or affected moisture, irritation, or infection.

You might be suggested to a hearing specialist for an audiogram. One ear is delivered a signal at a moment while the other is listening during this test. The ability to hear each sound is tested. If you have trouble hearing some tones, you may have some hearing loss.

Also Read – What is Hyperacusis? Its Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

How is hearing loss brought on by aging treated?

However, it’s probable that it won’t always be feasible. Always with your doctor before ceasing the usage of any medication, advises the patient.

Age-related hearing loss may be treated with the following options:

• Audio devices
• The use of assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech technology or telephone amplifiers, or instruction in understanding spoken language through visual clues (speech reading)
• Ways to avoid having too much wax in your outer ear

What are some potential side effects of aging-related hearing loss?

If your hearing loss is severe enough, you could require a hearing aid or other assistive device to speak with others.

Older persons with hearing loss may:

• Cause difficulties in understanding and receiving crucial information, such as that related to money, health, and the law.
• Specify how little contact the person has with peers, family, and organizations. Solitude, alienation, and sadness may come from this.
• Lead the individual to avoid key appointments due to humiliation regarding the hearing issue, such as healthcare follow-ups.
• If the hearing loss is serious enough, it could be dangerous. For instance, if smoke alarms or automobile horns are not audible.

How is aging-related hearing loss managed?

Depending on the extent of your concerns, you may need medication for hearing loss. Your doctor might advise you to:

• Aides and amplification systems

These instruments could be closed systems in concert halls or houses of worship, phone apps, or cell phone amplifiers.

• Audio devices

The most popular remedy for hearing loss brought on by aging is a hearing aid. With hearing aids, sounds are louder. They contain mute and volume controls.

• Cochlear Implants

Some forms of profound hearing loss can benefit from cochlear implants. These little electronics activate the peripheral nerves. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted by your healthcare physician.

In the End!!

You should know that Presbycusis is an untreatable problem. Moreover, with time and age, hearing loss comes in naturally. Well, there are so many factors that play an integral role in sensorineural hearing loss. However, you can always be careful of what you’re exposed to and get your hearing tested from time to time. Presbycusis worsens over the duration, thus people must receive routine monitoring so that customized treatment programs can be modified as needed to meet changing needs. Get in touch with Tri-County Hearing Services to get your hearing tested for free. Moreover, get customized solutions for your hearing problems.