Age and Hearing Loss | Little Rock Audiologist
As you age, you experience a number of changes in the way your body functions. Hearing loss might be one of these changes. Hearing loss due to aging is a common condition that impacts many older adults. Almost 1 in 2 adults over age 65 experience some degree of hearing loss.
Age-related hearing loss is also known as presbycusis. Although age-related hearing loss is not a life-threatening condition, it can have a significant impact on your quality of life if left untreated.
Age-related hearing loss occurs gradually over time. Various changes in the inner ear can cause the condition. These include:
changes in the structures of the inner ear
changes in blood flow to the ear
impairment in the nerves responsible for hearing
changes in the way that the brain processes speech and sound
damage to the tiny hairs in the ear that are responsible for transmitting sound to the brain
Age-related hearing loss can also be caused by other issues, including:
diabetes
poor circulation
exposure to loud noises
use of certain medications
family history of hearing loss
smoking
Symptoms of age-related hearing loss typically begin with an inability to hear high-pitched sounds. You may notice that you have difficulty hearing the voices of females or children. You may also have difficulty hearing background noises or difficulty hearing others speak clearly.
Other symptoms that may occur include:
certain sounds seeming overly loud
difficulty hearing in areas that are noisy
difficulty hearing the difference between “s” and “th” sounds
ringing in the ears
turning up the volume on the television or radio louder than normal
asking people to repeat themselves
being unable to understand conversations over the telephone
Always notify your Audiologist if you have any of these symptoms. They could be signs of other medical conditions and should be checked out by a doctor. If you are suffering from hearing loss, or have questions about the possibility of hearing loss, schedule an appointment with our Audiologists at Arkansas Otolaryngology Center. They might recommend a hearing test and will evaluate the best course of treatment.